Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act Allows terminally ill Oregon residents to obtain prescriptions for self-administered, lethal medications from their physicians and use it to hasten their deaths.

Physician-Assisted Suicide vs. Euthanasia How is the lethal medication administered?  Self-administered by patient = physician- assisted suicide  By third party = euthanasia

Who can participate in the Act?  Oregon residents  Adults (18 years of age or older)  Diagnosed with a terminal illness Prognosis of death within 6 months  Able to make and communicate health care decisions on own behalf

Patient Demographics Equally likely to be male or female Median age 70 years White High school graduate or higher education Divorced or never married

Role of the Department of Human Services Collect data on participation in the Act Compile an annual report

Vital Records Responsibilities Collect data Design instruments Create and maintain computer files Data analysis Report writing

State Registrar is notified when:  Lethal prescription is written – Written request from patient – Attending Physician Compliance Form – Consulting Physician Compliance Form – Psychiatric/Psychological Consultant’s Compliance Form (optional) Medication is dispensed – Pharmacy Dispensing Form

Additional Contacts Internal Data Collection Instruments – DWDA Active File created – Chronology and Death Certificate Extract Form – Physician interview form Phone contact(s) Contacts to advocacy groups

Confidentiality Identifying information about participating patients and physicians is confidential Every year, physician information is stripped from the electronic files Only two documents are retained – all other records are destroyed

The Future Ashcroft case may go on to U.S. Supreme Court Other states will probably consider whether to pass similar laws for themselves

Quick Facts - Staffing 1 Research Analyst (.25 FTE) 1 Medical Epidemiologist (.05 FTE) 1 Executive Support Specialist (.05 FTE)

Quick Facts - Funding Annual Budget - $0 The Death with Dignity Act is an unfunded mandate Est. cost per year in staff time - $18,850

Want more information? Check our website: publichealth/chs/pas/pas.cfm Contact Darcy Niemeyer: – (503) –