Colo. Rev. Stat. § 25-48-112

Current through 11/5/2024 election
Section 25-48-112 - Form of written request
(1) A request for medical aid-in-dying medication authorized by this article 48 must be in substantially the following form:

Request for medication to end my life in a peaceful manner

I, _________ am an adult of sound mind. I am suffering from _________, which my attending provider has determined is a terminal illness and which has been medically confirmed. I have been fully informed of my diagnosis and prognosis of six months or less, the nature of the medical aid-in-dying medication to be prescribed and potential associated risks, the expected result, and the feasible alternatives or additional treatment opportunities, including comfort care, palliative care, hospice care, and pain control.

I request that my attending provider prescribe medical aid-in-dying medication that will end my life in a peaceful manner if I choose to take it, and I authorize my attending provider to contact any pharmacist about my request.

I understand that I have the right to rescind this request at any time.

I further understand that although most deaths occur within three hours, my death may take longer, and my attending provider has counseled me about this possibility. I make this request voluntarily, without reservation, and without being coerced, and I accept full responsibility for my actions.

Signed: _________

Dated: _________

Declaration of witnesses

We declare that the individual signing this request:

Is personally known to us or has provided proof of identity;

Signed this request in our presence;

Appears to be of sound mind and not under duress, coercion, or undue influence; and

I am not the attending provider for the individual.

_________ witness 1/date

_________ witness 2/date

Note: Of the two witnesses to the written request, at least one must not:

Be a relative (by blood, marriage, civil union, or adoption) of the individual signing this request; be entitled to any portion of the individual's estate upon death; or own, operate, or be employed at a health-care facility where the individual is a patient or resident.

And neither the individual's attending or consulting provider nor a person authorized as the individual's qualified power of attorney or durable medical power of attorney shall serve as a witness to the written request.

C.R.S. § 25-48-112

Amended by 2024 Ch. 406,§ 11, eff. 8/7/2024.
Initiated 2016: Entire article added, Proposition 106, L. 2017, p. 2809, §1, effective upon proclamation of the Governor, December 16, 2016.
2024 Ch. 406, was passed without a safety clause. See Colo. Const. art. V, § 1(3).