The Colorado End-of-Life Options Act authorizes medical aid in dying and allows a terminally ill adult to end his or her life in a peaceful manner. The patient must meet several requirements, including:
- A prognosis of six months or less;
- Mental capacity to make an informed decision;
- Residency in Colorado; and
- Has requested and obtained a prescription for medical aid-in-dying medication.
Colorado law recognizes certain rights and responsibilities of qualified patients and health care providers under the End-of-Life Options. Under the Act, a health care provider, including Grand River Hospital District is not required to assist a qualified patient in ending that patient’s life.
Grand River Hospital District has chosen not to participate under the Act. District caregivers will still provide all other requested end-of-life and palliative care and other services to patients and families.
Any patient wishing to request medical aid-in-dying medication while being cared for by a District physician will be assisted in transfer to another facility of the patient’s choice.
Notice to patients
Grand River Hospital District has chosen not to participate under the Colorado End-of-Life Options Act and not to permit patients to self-administer medical aid-in-dying medication on hospital premises. In addition, physicians employed or through contracted services may not prescribe this medication for use at any location. A copy of the hospital’s policy is available upon request.
