California's End of Life Option Act (EOLOA)
California EOLOA History
The California End of Life Option Act (EOLOA) went into effect on June 9th, 2016, authorizing the option of medical aid in dying for some terminally ill adults who wish to end their life peacefully with doctor prescribed medication. California Senate Bill 380, which shortened the waiting period from 15 days to 48 hours and extended the sunset provision to January 1, 2031, was signed by Governor Newsom on October 5, 2021. The bill went into effect on January 1, 2022.
WHO QUALIFIES UNDER THE LAW?
- You must have a terminal illness—a disease that will, determined by reasonable medical judgment, produce death within six months.
- You must be able to make and communicate health care decisions.
- You must be 18 years of age or older.
- You must be a California resident, verified with a California Driver License or California Identification Card, voter registration or tax return.
- You must make 2 voluntary requests, two oral (at least 48 hours apart) and one written, which must be signed by two witnesses. The first request can be made via telephone, but be sure that the request is entered into your medical record and signed by the attending physician.
- You must be able to swallow the medication yourself. Injection is not permitted.
You will not qualify under the act if you are not of clear mind and are not capable of making the request orally and in writing.
WILL I LOSE MY LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS IF I TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS LAW?
No. By law, the death certificate will indicate that you died from the underlying illness.
HOW MANY DOCTORS ARE REQUIRED?
Two; an “attending physician,” who writes the prescription, and a “consulting physician,” who confirms the diagnosis, prognosis and the patient’s capability to make an informed decision. A doctor does not have to be present at death
Current Law
Click on the "California EOLOA Law" button below to read the language of the current California End of Life Option Act.
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