Iowa House Bill HF533

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/1/23
• Refer: 3/1/23

Caption

A bill for an act relating to care and choices at the end of life, providing penalties, and including effective date provisions.

Impact

The legislation impacts state laws significantly, as it codifies the practice of medical aid in dying while providing protections and obligations for healthcare providers. Specifically, providers may choose whether to offer such services but must comply with strict notification requirements if they opt out. Failure to notify patients or staff about prohibition on medical aid in dying constitutes an aggravated misdemeanor. The law establishes guidelines for informed consent and confidentiality, thus enhancing patient autonomy while maintaining a standard of care expected from medical professionals. Notably, it promotes dialogue about end-of-life options, which is crucial for patient-centered care.

Summary

House File 533, also known as the Iowa Our Care, Our Options Act, establishes provisions for medical aid in dying for mentally capable adults with terminal conditions. The bill empowers individuals to request medication that will allow them to self-administer a peaceful death under specific conditions. It acknowledges a patient's right to make informed choices about end-of-life care, detailing the requirements for healthcare providers to ensure that patients understand their options, including the possibility of medical aid in dying. The Act mandates that a patient must make a formal request verbally and in writing, with provision for witnesses to validate that coercion or undue influence is absent.

Contention

However, discussions surrounding HF533 have revealed notable points of contention. Advocates argue that the bill allows terminally ill patients the autonomy and dignity to end their suffering, while opponents raise concerns regarding the potential for coercion and the ethical implications of allowing medical professionals to assist in dying. The bill includes severe penalties, classifying undue influence or misinformation as felonies, demonstrating the lawmakers' recognition of the gravity of these ethical concerns. Additionally, the insurance provisions of the bill prevent insurers from altering coverage based on the availability of medical aid in dying, aiming to protect patients from discrimination based on their end-of-life choices.