Delaware 149th General Assembly (2017-2018) Status: Passed House Bipartisan · 2 D · 1 R cosponsors

HB 160 — AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO END OF LIFE OPTIONS.

Last action — Amendment HA 2 to HB 160 - Introduced and Placed With Bill

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 149th General Assembly (2017-2018). It reached “Passed House” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there are no live odds of enactment. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Summary

The Delaware End of Life Options Act provides an additional option which terminally ill adults nearing their death can decide to select, to lessen their pain and suffering. The bill clarifies the procedures necessary for making the request, including 1) the presentation of all end of life options which include comfort care, hospice care, and pain control, 2) a physician’s evaluation, 3) medical confirmation by a second physician, 4) psychiatric/psychological counseling when indicated, 5) the passage of two waiting periods, and 6) the completion of a formally witnessed request for prescribed medication. The bill provides many safeguards to ensure the patient is making an informed decision, the right to rescind any request for medication, and immunity for persons participating in good faith compliance with the procedures. When the process is followed with its safeguards, the terminally ill patient is provided the right to receive medication to peacefully end the patient’s life in a humane and dignified manner.

Bill Text

Action History

  1. Amendment HA 2 to HB 160 - Introduced and Placed With Bill

  2. Amendment HA 1 to HB 160 - Introduced and Placed With Bill

  3. Reported Out of Committee (Health & Human Development) in House with 1 Favorable, 5 On Its Merits, 2 Unfavorable

  4. Introduced and Assigned to Health & Human Development Committee in House

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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2 sponsors · 4 co-sponsors · 56 not signed on

Sponsors (2)

Co-sponsors (4)

Not signed on (56)

56 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

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Subjects

civil-rights healthcare
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Frequently asked questions

What does HB 160 do?
The Delaware End of Life Options Act provides an additional option which terminally ill adults nearing their death can decide to select, to lessen their pain and suffering. The bill clarifies the procedures necessary for making the request, including 1) the presentation of all end of life options which include comfort care, hospice care, and pain control, 2) a physician’s evaluation, 3) medical confirmation by a second physician, 4) psychiatric/psychological counseling when indicated, 5) the passage of two waiting periods, and 6) the completion of a formally witnessed request for prescribed medication. The bill provides many safeguards to ensure the patient is making an informed decision, the right to rescind any request for medication, and immunity for persons participating in good faith compliance with the procedures. When the process is followed with its safeguards, the terminally ill patient is provided the right to receive medication to peacefully end the patient’s life in a humane and dignified manner.
Who sponsors HB 160?
HB 160 is sponsored by Stephanie L. Hansen (Democratic), David P. Sokola (Democratic), Daniel B. Short (Republican), Earl G. Jaques Jr., Margaret Rose Henry, and Paul S. Baumbach.
What is the current status of HB 160?
This bill died with 149th General Assembly (2017-2018). It reached “Passed House” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track HB 160?
Track HB 160 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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Last checked for changes 2 months ago · updated continuously

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