The United States has no federal law permitting or prohibiting physician-assisted death. Each state legislates independently. As of 2025, 11 states plus Washington D.C. permit a terminally ill adult to request a prescription for life-ending medication, which they self-administer.
These laws are often called "Death with Dignity" or "End of Life Options" acts. They share common features but differ on waiting periods, eligible providers, and residency requirements.
All States at a Glance
| State | Law Name | In Effect | Waiting Period | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | Death with Dignity Act | 1997 | 15 days* | First in US/world; no residency req. since 2023 |
| Washington | Death with Dignity Act | 2009 | 15 days | Passed by ballot (58%) |
| Montana | (Court ruling) | 2009 | None set | Court protection only; no formal law |
| Vermont | Patient Choice and Control Act | 2013 | None* | First legislative passage (not ballot) |
| California | End of Life Option Act | 2016 | 48 hours* | Most populous state; Brittany Maynard case |
| Colorado | End of Life Options Act | 2016 | 15 days | APRNs eligible as providers |
| Washington D.C. | Death with Dignity Act | 2017 | 15 days | Congressional oversight; unanimous DC Council vote |
| Hawaii | Our Care, Our Choice Act | 2019 | 20 days | Telehealth assessments permitted |
| New Jersey | Aid in Dying for Terminally Ill Act | 2019 | 15 days | Psychiatric referral if capacity in doubt |
| Maine | Death with Dignity Act | 2019 | 15 days | NPs can serve as providers |
| New Mexico | Elizabeth Whitefield End of Life Options Act | 2021 | 7 days | Broadest provider scope: MDs, APRNs, PAs |
* Oregon 15-day wait is waivable; Vermont removed its waiting period in 2023; California reduced its wait from 15 days to 48 hours in 2021.
What Every Law Has in Common
- Patient must be a resident of the state (except Oregon since 2023)
- Must be 18 or older
- Must have a terminal illness with a prognosis of 6 months or less
- Must have decision-making capacity
- Must make multiple requests (two oral + one written)
- Patient self-administers — physicians do not administer the medication
- Physicians may conscientiously object and must refer the patient
Key Differences Between States
Waiting periods range from 48 hours (California) to 20 days (Hawaii). Vermont now has no mandatory wait. New Mexico's 7-day period is among the shortest statutory waits.
Provider eligibility varies. Most states limit attending providers to physicians. Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, and New Mexico also allow nurse practitioners and/or physician assistants — important for rural access.
Residency is required in every state except Oregon (which removed the requirement in 2023, allowing out-of-state patients). No other state has followed yet.
Montana is unique in having no statute — access relies on a 2009 Supreme Court ruling and individual physician willingness, with no formal regulatory structure.
States Where It Is Not Legal
39 states and US territories do not permit physician-assisted death. Some have explicit criminal statutes prohibiting it. Bills have been proposed (and failed) in New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and others. The legal landscape continues to evolve — check your state legislature's current session for pending bills.