New Jersey Assembly Bill A406

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Makes it a crime of the first degree to coerce a patient to request medication pursuant to the "Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act" or to forge a patient's request for such medication.

Impact

If enacted, A406 would impose stricter penalties for those who exploit vulnerable patients during their most critical moments. It establishes a mandatory minimum prison term of 25 years without the possibility of parole for those convicted of these upgraded crimes. This change aims to deter potential offenses that undermine the intended autonomy and choice afforded to patients under the medical aid in dying act.

Summary

Assembly Bill A406 aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding the 'Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act' by reclassifying certain offenses related to patient coercion and the falsification of medication requests. Under this bill, coercing a patient to request medical aid in dying or forging a patient's request for such medication would be upgraded to a crime of the first degree. This marks a significant shift from the current classification, which categorizes these offenses as crimes of the second and third degree, respectively.

Contention

Discussions surrounding A406 may evoke varying sentiments among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Proponents argue that the bill is necessary to ensure patient safety and uphold the integrity of the medical aid in dying process, safeguarding it from coercion or deceit. Conversely, opponents might raise concerns regarding the implications of increased criminal penalties and whether such measures could hinder legitimate discussions around end-of-life choices or potentially lead to unintended consequences in patient-physician interactions.