In January, SB899 and HB650 are introduced by Hawai’i lawmakers and are assigned to their respective committees. Both bills increase access to the Death with Dignity Act.

Lawmakers introduce SB839, a bill seeking to remove certain barriers to access

The amendment would reduce the waiting period from 20 days to 15 and authorize attending providers to waive the 15-day period if a patient is imminently dying. Further, it would have permitted advance-practice nurses and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners to participate in the patient qualification process. 

Hawai’i’s unique geography and limited number of physicians have proven to be a barrier for patient access. The bill moved successfully through the Senate and then stalled.

Hawai’i is the 7th U.S. jurisdiction to enact a Death with Dignity statute. The Our Care, Our Choice Act goes into effect on January 1.

Our Care Our Choice Act passes in Hawai’i