§ 5-10-106 — Physician-assisted suicide

(a) (1) As used in this section, "physician-assisted suicide" means a physician or healthcare provider participating in a medical procedure or knowingly prescribing any drug, compound, or substance for the express purpose of assisting a patient to intentionally end the patient's life. (2) However, "physician-assisted suicide" does not apply to a person participating in the execution of a person sentenced by a court to death by lethal injection. (b) It is unlawful for a physician or healthcare provider to commit the offense of physician-assisted suicide by: (1) Prescribing any drug, compound, or substance to a patient with the express purpose of assisting the patient to intentionally end the patient's life; or (2) Assisting in any medical procedure for the express purpose of assisting a patient to intentionally end the patient's life. (c) Physician-assisted suicide is a Class B felony. (d) This section does not prohibit a: (1) Physician or healthcare provider from carrying out an advanced directive or living will; or (2) Physician from prescribing any drug, compound, or substance for the specific purpose of pain relief.

Legislative History

Amended by Act 2019, No. 930,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019. Acts 1999, No. 394, § 1; 2007, No. 827, §§ 22, 23.