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Vermont

CURRENT STATUS: ENACTED

About

The Vermont Patient Choice and Control at End of Life Act, or Act 39, has been in effect since May 20, 2013. 

Vermont’s Patient Choice and Control at the End of Life Act is the result of a 10-year partnership between Death with Dignity and Patient Choices Vermont (founded by Dick and Ginny Walters).

Resources

Our Partner: Patient Choices Vermont

Timeline of Death with Dignity in Vermont

2023

2023

Governor Phil Scott signs S.190, an amendment to remove Vermont’s residency requirement to the Patient Choice and Control at End of Life Act into law on May 2, 2023. This law takes effect immediately.

  • On April 19, H. 190 passes the final vote in the Senate. The bill moves back to the House to be delivered to Governor Scott for approval.
  • In February, H.190 crosses over to the Senate and is referred to the Committee on Health and Welfare.
  • On January 20, 2023 an amendment (S.26/H.190) to the Vermont Patient Choice and Control at End of Life Act is introduced and referred to the Committee on Health and Welfare. The amendment would remove the Vermont residency requirement.

2022

2022

Governor Phil Scott signs S.74, an amendment to the Patient Choice and Control at End of Life Act into law on April 27, 2022.

This amendment:

  • Removes the requirement that medication requests and an examination by the physician be done in person.
  • Removes the requirement that the physician must wait at least 48 hours after the occurrence of certain required events before writing the prescription. 
  • Extends immunities to any person who acts in good faith compliance with the provisions of the law.

2021

2021

Amendment Introduced

The Vermont State Senate introduces S.74, an amendment to expand access to the Patient Choice and Control at End of Life Act.

2016

2016

The Vermont House Passes HCR233

HCR233 is a resolution expressing condolences to the Walters family on Dick’s death.

2015

2015

Sunset Clause Removed

Governor Peter Shumlin signs S108, removing the sunset clause exactly two years after signing Act 39 into law.

On October 16, Dick Walters dies using the very law for which he advocated.

2014

2014

Anne Vachon becomes the first Vermonter to use the new Act 39.

 

2013

2013

Governor signs Patient Choice and Control End of Life Act

Vermont becomes the third state to enact a Death with Dignity law, and the first to do so by legislative action.