By the time we reach a certain age, most people start to give thought to their own mortality. Sometimes, if we are faced with terminal illnesses, we may want a say in the manner in which we depart this earthly plain.
Many things come into this thought process…our family members and their ability to cope without us is probably number one for many, followed by their ability to withstand pain and the worry of leaving their loved ones with monstrous medical bills. But regardless of age or cause of death, there are always the unfinished dreams and wish lists we leave behind…and tomorrow…there is always tomorrow.
As the old saying goes, nobody on their deathbed ever utters, “I wish I had worked more,” …well, hardly anybody…
In the case of terminal illnesses, the state of Washington passed a law in 2008 called the Death with Dignity Act (The Act). The Act lets adults with a terminal illness end their own life. A terminal illness is defined as one that cannot be cured and will lead to their death within six months.
In 2023, the state added changes allowing certain patients to ask their qualified medical provider (QMP) to prescribe a lethal dose of medicine. A qualified medical provider is a licensed physician (MD or DO), licensed physician assistant (PA), or a licensed advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP).
As you can imagine, there are many steps that need to be taken before The Act can be completed. A patient must be 18 years or older and making their own medical decisions, be able to prove they are a legal resident of Washington and have an illness that their QMPs say will lead to death within the next six months. Note the plural QMPs – it takes more than one to make this diagnosis, one of who must be an MD or DO.
The patient must be able to take the medicine on their own. They may drink a powered medicine mixed with a liquid, through a feeding tube or other means approved by their QMPs.
To receive the prescription, the patient must have two QMPs who are willing and able to take part in The Act. Be aware: this may not be an easy decision for your family doctor to make – their religious beliefs, personal relationships with their patients and feelings about ending instead of saving lives will be for them to decide if they want to participate in The Act.
How to Begin:
To receive the prescription the patient must follow these steps:
One of these QMPs is called the attending (prescribing) QMP. The other QMP is called the consulting QMP. This provider must confirm the patient’s diagnosis, prognosis and mental capacity. The QMPs may not have a direct supervisory relationship with each other. (This means neither provider can be supervising the other).
Witnesses:
Or
After the DOH form is signed and witnessed it can be given to the patients attending QMP to to their Death with Dignity coordinator, if they have one.
Other Facts You Should Know:
So, there you have it. It is not a decision to take lightly and you have many opportunities to change your mind along the way. Think it over carefully…it is a permanent step.
For more information or forms, click here.
7 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
JulesJames
I've witnessed two friends make this choice. One did it quietly. It was shocking and weirdly hurtful to be told that morning. The other planned out his final 15 days and shared both his experiences and thoughts on social media the best he could. What would you plan for your last day on earth? He chose a seaplane ride with his wife to fly over Blue Glacier on Mt Olympus -- their last hike before his cancer was discovered. His widow and I still smile over the memories of those final days. His biggest fear for those 15 was not being able to physically take the drugs on that last day.
Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Report this
KatAshe
On January 22, 2022, my partner of 29 years was admitted to the ER at Providence. Within several hours we were informed that he had end stage 4 lung and brain cancer. The brain tumor was removed, several days later, which relieved a major physicial problem and he was able to come home a week after the surgery.
We were extremely fortunate in having a physician who supports death with dignity. For the next six weeks Michael was on home hospice while working through the very careful death with dignity process. Local friends visited and family came from several states to celebrate his life with great meals, and lots of stories and laughs. On March 15, 2022 Michael, dressed in his favorite comfortable cloths, took the two part medication, with two volunteers from DeathwithDignity.org present, at our request. Sitting on his favorite spot on the sofa, he gently went to sleep in about a half hour, and several hours later he took his last breath.
When Michael and I needed a new physician some years ago, we interviewed our doctor as to his personal beliefs on end of life treatment, so we knew what support we could expect when/if the time came. This is a conversation every patient should have with their physician, as there are ones that will expect you to fight for every last breath, no matter what.. You need to choose a physician who supports your beliefs whatever they are.
Thursday, November 2, 2023 Report this
BobJacobs
Our Death with Dignity law is well intentioned, but opponents have been able to make it very hard to use and for many people, impossible.
In Canada, things are much simpler, including the fact that the doctor can administer a lethal injection. Why not here?
We need to tell our legislators to remove the roadblocks.
Bob Jacobs
Thursday, November 2, 2023 Report this
rockyw98502
Just wanted to post a grateful "Thank You" to Ms. Anderson for publishing this helpful refresher course on Death with Dignity process here in Washington state. I recently read in the news that Oregon has (or will be) passed/passing legislation that allows residents from other states to make use of their state's laws for choice in dying.
Betty Watson, Olympia
Thursday, November 2, 2023 Report this
Drutty
I found out some very comforting information about VSED. If your condition is unbearable but not classified as terminal in 6 months, then there is an alternative that might be discussed here. "Voluntary Stop Eating and Drinking" must be discussed with your physician and arrangements made to set it up which can include palliative or hospice care at the end.
Thursday, November 2, 2023 Report this
Terrilovesanimals
I am possibly a minority in this, but I can not and never will support any kind of killing even if it a person doing it to themselves. 6th Commandment. I understand people wanting an easy way out, but God is there to help and it's up to him when you are done here. My dear friend had acute COPD and kept praying. She passed in her sleep.
Friday, November 3, 2023 Report this
TonyW33
This body is my own, This life is as well. If I can choose to die with dignity why wouldn't I? One reason that I have chosen for many decades not to be a member of any church or organized religion is the tendency of all of them to want to dictate what I think or do. I do not require any other natural born person to tell me who God is or how I should approach or worship that entity. I am perfectly capable of interpreting those questions. We are each on a path and we each may choose it's direction. When I am in the last days of this life I'll decide what is right for me and how to share those days with my family. From the Christian Bible: "Judge not, lest ye be judged".
Namaste
Saturday, November 4, 2023 Report this