HF2998

HF2998 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

End-of-life option for terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less established, criminal penalties provided, certain data classified, immunity for certain acts provided, and enforcement authorized.

Related bill: SF3215

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to establish an End-of-Life Option Act in Minnesota. This act allows terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less to choose to end their lives under specific conditions. It aims to provide patients with autonomy over their end-of-life decisions.

Main Provisions

Eligibility: Only terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less can access this option.
Procedure: The bill outlines the specific procedures and legal requirements that must be followed for a patient to voluntarily end their life.
Criminal Penalties: The bill sets criminal penalties for anyone who unlawfully participates in ending a life outside of the provisions set by this act.
Data Classification: Certain data related to the patients and their choices are classified, ensuring confidentiality.
Reporting Requirements: Healthcare providers are required to report cases where this option is utilized, ensuring transparency and oversight.
Immunity Provisions: Legal immunity is provided for healthcare providers and loved ones who participate in accordance with the law.
Enforcement Authority: The bill authorizes state enforcement to ensure compliance with the new legal provisions.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Amendments to Current Laws: The bill proposes amendments to several sections of the Minnesota Statutes, including sections dealing with penalty structures and healthcare privacy laws, to accommodate the new end-of-life options. It introduces a new chapter, 145E, dedicated specifically to these provisions.

Relevant Terms

end-of-life, terminally ill, prognosis, autonomy, criminal penalties, data classification, legal immunity, healthcare providers, enforcement authority.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
March 31, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Health Finance and Policy
April 01, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Author added
April 02, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Author added
April 02, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Author added

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Provision for terminally ill adults' option to end life under specific circumstances."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "The bill amends section 61A.031 concerning end-of-life options.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarification of insurance policies regarding end-of-life choices."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "61A.031",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Authorization for enforcing end-of-life options compliance."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies section 144.99 subdivision 1 in relation to health enforcement laws.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjustments to enforcement procedures for health policy violations."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "144.99",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Exceptions for medically assisted end-of-life procedures."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Modifications to criminal penalties regarding assisting in suicide under section 609.215 subdivision 3.",
      "modified": [
        "Reclassification of certain acts previously considered criminal under new end-of-life options."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.215",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  }
]