Assembly Bill 346, which aims to legalize medical aid in dying for terminally ill patients in Nevada, is under consideration again in the state Legislature. This bill allows patients diagnosed with terminal conditions, confirmed by at least two practitioners, to self-administer life-ending medication under strict eligibility criteria. Patients must be 18 or older, make informed and voluntary decisions, and be mentally capable of making such decisions independently, without coercion.
The bill requires patients to make two verbal requests and one written request, and it mandates discussions with healthcare providers. Providers are not obligated to prescribe or dispense the medication but must inform patients of their options. Additionally, the bill prevents life insurance and annuity policies from imposing penalties based on medication requests.
During a recent hearing, Assemblymember Joe Dalia, a co-sponsor of the bill, shared his personal experience with his father’s end-of-life struggles due to COPD. Dalia’s father experienced a prolonged and painful death, leading Dalia to advocate for this legislation to provide terminally ill patients with more compassionate options.
Despite past bipartisan support, similar bills have faced challenges, including a veto from Gov. Joe Lombardo. Opponents, including right-to-life groups and some medical professionals, argue that the bill lacks sufficient safeguards and contradicts the Hippocratic Oath. They suggest focusing on enhancing hospice and palliative care instead. Supporters emphasize that medical aid in dying offers additional care options, improving end-of-life experiences for eligible patients.