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Personal stories help people understand the importance of Death with Dignity legislation, and how it's being enacted.
Hawai’i
CURRENT STATUS: Legal
Protect end-of-life freedom in Hawai’i !
Hawai’i’s Our Care, Our Choice Act ensures that terminally ill patients have the right to a peaceful death on their own terms — but we must stay vigilant to protect this hard-won right.
Three Ways You Can Take Action
- Share your story. If you are living with a terminal illness, lost someone you love, or believe deeply in personal autonomy and dignity at the end of life, your voice matters.
- Learn how you can advocate for Death with Dignity in Hawai’i.
- Learn about the law and stay informed on legislative updates.
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Join the movement! Sign the petition to support Death with Dignity.
Hawai’i
About
Hawai’i’s Our Care, Our Choice Act passed in 2018.
Timeline of Death with Dignity in Hawai’i
2023
2023
On June 2 Governor Josh Green signs HB650 into law. This amendment increases access to the Our Care, Our Choice Act, and the changes to the law take effect immediately.
The following changes include:
- Reduces the mandatory waiting period from 20 to 5 days.
- Allows the attending provider to waive the waiting period if the patient is unlikely to survive.
- Allows APRNs to practice as both the attending and consulting providers.
2021
2021
Lawmakers Introduce SB839, a Bill Seeking to Remove Certain Barriers to Access
The amendment would reduce the waiting period from 20 days to 15 and authorize attending providers to waive the 15-day period if a patient is imminently dying. Further, it would have permitted advance-practice nurses and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners to participate in the patient qualification process.
Hawai’i’s unique geography and limited number of physicians have proven to be a barrier for patient access. The bill moved successfully through the Senate and then stalled.
2019
2019
Our Care Our Choice Act Enacted
Hawai’i is the 7th U.S. jurisdiction to enact a Death with Dignity statute. The Our Care, Our Choice Act goes into effect on January 1.
2018
2018
Our Care Our Choice Act passes in Hawai’i
