The Government Law Center at Albany Law School has released its latest explainer breaking down hot-button issues debated by state policymakers during the recent legislative session. 

In the new explainer, Explaining the Medical Aid in Dying Act, GLC Legal Director Richard Rifkin untangles the Medical Aid in Dying Act, a complex and controversial bill that was approved by both houses of the state Legislature.

“Eleven states and the District of Columbia have passed laws permitting the practice, all of which have different requirements. If enacted, the bill would make New York the twelfth state in the country to authorize some form of medical aid in dying,” says Rifkin. “In short, the New York bill would establish a procedure by which a qualified patient with a terminal illness or condition may obtain life-ending medication. It is now up to the Governor to decide whether to sign or veto the bill.” 

Rifkin’s explainer outlines the major provisions in the legislation, including how patients must request life-ending medication, responsibilities of medical professionals, the role of mental health professionals, documentation and reporting requirements, and various protections and immunities. Read more.

The Government Law Center provides nonpartisan legal research and analysis on pressing issues facing state and local government and informs the public about major legal and policy issues facing policymakers and elected officials. The GLC’s role is to explain, not to advocate for a particular position or course of action. The GLC’s explainers concisely map out the law that applies to important questions of public policy. In addition, programs in the GLC’s Warren M. Anderson ’40 Legislative Series, held monthly from February through May, feature experts who discuss major issues pending before the New York State Legislature.