A look at Wash. state's "Death with Dignity" law

Under Washington state's "Death with Dignity" law, taking effect Thursday, a patient wishing to qualify for a lethal prescription a patient must:

-Be at least 18, declared competent, and a state resident.

-Be determined by an attending physician and a consulting physician to have a terminal disease and be expected to die within six months.

-Make an oral and written request, signed and dated by the patient and witnessed by two other people, one of whom must not be a relative of the patient, entitled to the patient's estate, anyone tied to a health facility where the patient is being treated or is a resident, or the attending physician.

-Repeat an oral request to the attending physician at least 15 days after making the initial oral request. The patient can rescind the request at any time.

Once the request is made, the attending physician:

-Determines whether the patient is competent and has made the request voluntarily.

-Informs the patient of alternatives, like hospice care and pain control.

-Refers the patient to another physician for confirmation of the terminal diagnosis and to ensure the patient is competent and acting voluntarily.

-Recommends the patient for counseling if the patient is believed to be suffering from a psychiatric or psychological disorder.

-Recommends that the patient notify next of kin.

-Dispenses medication directly, or with the patient's consent, contacts a pharmacist to fill the prescription.

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Washington's "Death with Dignity" law.