California's End of Life Option Act

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To be eligible for MAiD, you must be at least 18 years old, a resident of California, have a terminal diagnosis with a prognosis of six months or less to live, be mentally capable of making healthcare decisions, and be able to self-ingest.

The first step is a consultation with your physician to confirm the terminal diagnosis and prognosis. Next, the individual must make two verbal requests to their attending physician at least 48 hours apart, followed by a written request. A second physician will confirm the diagnosis and prognosis, assess the individual's mental capacity, and ensure the request is voluntary and free from coercion. Once these steps have been completed, the medication is ordered, and the individual has the choice to ingest the medication at any time provided it is self-administered. 

Yes, participation in MAiD is voluntary. Physicians, pharmacists, and healthcare providers may opt out of participating in the process, but they are required to inform patients of their rights and provide referrals to other providers.  At Seasons, we have trusted relationships with physicians and pharmacies who honor end-of-life choices.

The medication typically consists of a combination of barbiturates and other medications that work together to induce a peaceful and painless death. The specific medications may vary, but most commonly the prescribed combination include pentobarbital, diazepam, morphine, and propranolol.

It is recommended that you fast for at least 6-8 hours prior to ingestion to ensure your stomach is empty. You may also be given a prescription for an anti-nausea medication to reduce the possibility of vomiting, which can interfere with the medication. A family member of Seasons nurse may prepare the medication by adding 4-8 ounces of water or apple juice. The entire contents of the medication must be consumed within 2 minutes. If you wish, you may have some sorbet or a popsicle after ingestion. Within minutes, you will feel extremely relaxed and fall into a deep sleep with death occurring within 1-2 hours.

An individual can withdraw their request at any time before taking the medication. There are no legal consequences for changing their mind.

No. Only the individual may self-administer the medication. If they are no longer able to swallow, they still have the option of administering rectally.

No. Choosing Medical Aid in Dying is not suicide. Your terminal illness will be listed on the death certificate and life insurance, health insurance, and any other benefits will not be impacted.

Yes. There may be costs associated with obtaining the physician certifications. The individual is also responsible for the cost of the medicine, which can range from $500-$750. Most insurances, including Medicare, do not cover any costs related to Medical Aid in Dying. California's Medicaid system (Medi-Cal) will cover the cost of the medication.

No. You only need to meet the requirements of the law, however enrolling in hospice care can provide useful care and resources to make the process smoother, including coordinating with physicians and other professionals involved in the process.