Mini Quiz: Physician-Assisted Suicide

Author(s):

Laura B. Dunn, MD

In US states where physician-assisted suicide is now legal, what is required prior to a physician prescribing a lethal aid-in-dying drug?

In US states where physician-assisted suicide is now legal (eg, California, Oregon), which of the following is required prior to a physician prescribing a lethal aid-in-dying drug?

A. Two independent capacity assessments by mental health providers

B. A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to evaluate for impaired judgment due to a mental disorder

C. The family’s written agreement not to sue the prescribing physician

D. Psychiatric assessment is NOT required. The written request has to come from the patient