Colorado

Overview

Colorado voters approved Proposition 106 (the Colorado End of Life Options Act) in November 2016 with 65% support. The law took effect December 16, 2016. Colorado allows advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to serve as attending providers in addition to physicians, broadening access in rural areas.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a Colorado resident
• Must be 18 or older
• Must have a terminal illness with a prognosis of 6 months or less
• Must have decision-making capacity
• Two oral requests at least 15 days apart
• One written request with two witnesses
• Two providers (physician or APRN) must confirm eligibility

Notable Features

• APRNs may serve as attending providers — unique among US states
• Pharmacists may dispense medication without risk of professional sanction
• No specific medication protocol mandated in the statute
• Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment publishes annual reports

Key Resources

• Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment — cdphe.colorado.gov
• Compassion & Choices Colorado — compassionandchoices.org
• Death with Dignity National Center — deathwithdignity.org

Legal Contacts

• Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) — Official annual reports, forms, and End of Life Options Act guidance for Colorado patients and providers. cdphe.colorado.gov (search "end of life options")
• Compassion & Choices Colorado — Provides patient advocacy, physician referrals, and support for Coloradans throughout the EOLOA process. compassionandchoices.org
• Death with Dignity National Center — Educational resources and legislative monitoring for Colorado. deathwithdignity.org

Medical Contacts

• Colorado Medical Society — Professional body for Colorado physicians; publishes EOLOA guidance and position statements on physician participation.
• Compassion & Choices Physician Referral Service — Maintains a list of willing providers in Colorado; contact them directly if your own physician declines. compassionandchoices.org
• American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) — National resource for palliative care and MAID physician training. aahpm.org

Important: Contact details and eligibility requirements change. Always verify information directly with each organisation before taking any action.