New York’s Medical Aid in Dying law took effect Aug. 5 after the New York State Department of Health finalized guidance and proposed reporting requirements for healthcare facilities and physicians.
The law gives terminally ill New York residents with less than six months to live the option to voluntarily request medication for Medical Aid in Dying, according to an Aug. 5 news release from the department. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the legislation into law Feb. 6, 2026.
The Department of Health also launched a Medical Aid in Dying website with information for the public and guidance for healthcare professionals. The law requires multiple safeguards, including oral and written requests from the patient, confirmation from both an attending physician and consulting physician that the patient has a terminal illness or condition and decision-making capacity, a mandatory mental health evaluation, a five-day waiting period before a prescription can be filled, and self-administration of the medication.
Participation under the law is voluntary. Physicians, pharmacists, other healthcare providers and other individuals are protected from liability, penalties and professional disciplinary action by a government entity for taking reasonable, good-faith action or declining to participate under the Medical Aid in Dying law.
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