Status of Medical Aid in Dying

Medical aid in dying is currently authorized in Hawai‘i. Legislation is advancing to improve the Our Care, Our Choice Act. 

The Hawai‘i Our Care, Our Choice Act was signed into law by Governor David Ige on April 5, 2018, and went into effect on January 1, 2019.

On January 20, 2023, three bills were simultaneously submitted for consideration: 

• In the Senate, SB 442-SD1 would authorize advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to prescribe and also authorize psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners , psychiatrists, psychologists and clinical social workers to counsel. After passing the Senate Health Committee, it was heard and passed out of the Senate Consumer Protection Committee on February 22. It was the bill’s last Senate hearing.

• In the House, HB 650 HD1 would reduce the waiting period, allow APRNs to counsel and prescribe, and provide an expedited pathway for terminally ill qualified patients who are not expected to survive the mandatory waiting period. This bill has already passed through the House Health Committee and the House Consumer Affairs Committee. It received its final hearing in the House Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs on February 24. 

• In March of 2023, both bills passed their floor votes in the House and Senate respectively. HB 650 passed on a vote of 43-8 and SB 442 passed on a vote of 21-3. Now, each bill will cross chambers. 

• A hearing has been scheduled for HI HB 650 which improves Hawaii's medical aid in dying law. The hearing in the HHS/CPN committee is scheduled for March 23, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. local time.

Read the full bill summary.