NM End-of-Life Options Act for Individuals and Families
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New Mexico Dept. of Health
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has a page on their agency website about the Elizabeth Whitefield End-of-Life Options Act. The EOLO Act specifically requires the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) to develop, distribute, and collect a Medical Aid in Dying Reporting Form to be completed by clinicians for each patient that receives a MAID prescription. The data elements to be collected are specified in the law. The NMDOH is also required to summarize the report forms and publish an Annual Report that is to be made available to the public.
Below is a link to the NMDOH webpage which briefly explains the Act, reviews provider responsibilities for reporting including the reporting form, provides links to helpful website, and will eventually include the Annual Report.
Compassion & Choices
You can also learn more about accessing the law and find out about other end-of-life choices on our national partner – Compassion & Choices – New Mexico webpage. You can find tools, resources and information specific to the New Mexico law and that cover a wide range of topics designed to empower and support you in determining your end of life options.
Client Support
Documents
- The Elizabeth Whitefield End-of-Life Options Act: Information for New Mexico Residents
- Frequently Asked Questions: New Mexico’s Elizabeth Whitefield End-of-Life Options Act
- New Mexico: Introduction to Medical Aid In Dying
- Nuevo México: Introducción a la Ayuda Médica Para Morir (Spanish)
- How to Talk to Your Healthcare Provider about Medical Aid in Dying
- Letter to Your Qualified Clinician or Care Provider
Key Principles
- A qualified individual must sign a witnessed request form that is explicit about understanding and requesting medical aid in dying.
- The prognosis must be confirmed by a consulting provider, if the patient is not enrolled in hospice.
- If indicated, a mental health professional consultation is required to assess and affirm mental competency before medications can be prescribed.
- The Act creates a “right to know” about all medically appropriate options available to the qualified individual.
- The Act grants immunity from criminal liability and from professional discipline for all involved as long as they provide reasonable care and in good faith in compliance with the EWEOLO Act.
- No health care provider is required to participate as long as referral information is provided to a requesting individual and records are forwarded.
- The existing New Mexico statute prohibiting assisting suicide is amended to create a clear exception for those who are acting pursuant to the EWEOLO Act.