'Death with Dignity Act' rules finalized

State officials have laid out the rules that must be followed when people choose to end their lives under Washington's assisted suicide law.

The Death with Dignity Act, approved by voters in November and taking effect March 5, makes it legal for physicians to write prescriptions for lethal medications for certain terminally ill patients.

The rules filed Friday by the state Department of Health include forms to be filled out by patients requesting lethal drugs, by attending and consulting physicians and by psychological consultants and pharmacists who participate.

Under the law, terminally ill patients who are determined competent by physicians and who are expected to die within six months can ask for a lethal dose of medication from their doctors. The patients must administer the drug themselves.

Participation by physicians and pharmacists is voluntary.

---

Information from: The News Tribune, http://www.thenewstribune.com