End of Life Option Act

California’s End of Life Option Act, signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown in October 2015, went into effect on June 9, 2016. The Act allows an adult who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and who has a life expectancy of no more than six months to request and be prescribed an aid-in-dying drug, if specified conditions are met.

Participation in activities authorized by the End of Life Option Act is completely voluntary. No person (including a physician), hospital, pharmacy or other entity that objects based on conscience, morality or ethics is required to provide any services in support of this new law.

PIH Health has elected to not participate in activities authorized by the End of Life option Act and is not required by law to take any action in support of an individual’s decision under the “Act” that would result in his or her death. This means that none of our hospitals, healthcare facilities, clinics, physicians’ offices, medical staff, employees and independent contractors will participate.

We believe that PIH Health provides outstanding programs such as Advance Care Planning, Palliative Care and Hospice, to support and guide patients and their family during the end stages of their lives. If you would like to learn more about these services contact Supportive Care Services at 562.967.2273 or by email at ssambulatory@pihhealth.org.

Those who would like more information regarding the End of Life Option Act may visit the Coalition for Compassionate Care’s (external organization) website at http://coalitionccc.org/tools-resources/end-of-life-option-act/end-life-option-act-patients-families.