Vermont

Overview

Vermont became the first US state to pass a physician-assisted dying law through the legislature (rather than a ballot initiative) when Governor Peter Shumlin signed Act 39 (the Patient Choice and Control at End of Life Act) on May 20, 2013.

Vermont's law was initially modeled on Oregon's but had a broader initial framework. A key feature: Vermont removed the two-oral-request waiting period in 2023, making it the most streamlined process among US states.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a Vermont resident
• Must be 18 or older
• Must have a terminal illness with a prognosis of 6 months or less
• Must have decision-making capacity
• Written request required (signed by one witness)
• Two physicians must confirm diagnosis, prognosis, and capacity
• No mandatory waiting period between requests (since 2023 amendment)

The Process

• Patient submits a written request to attending physician
• Physician confirms eligibility with a second consulting physician
• Physician writes prescription for self-administered life-ending medication
• Patient may fill and use the prescription at any time thereafter
• Vermont Department of Health receives reports

Key Resources

• Vermont Department of Health — healthvermont.gov
• Patient Choices Vermont — patientchoices.org
• Death with Dignity National Center — deathwithdignity.org

Legal Contacts

• Vermont Department of Health — Patient Choice at End of Life — Official source for Act 39 information, annual reports, and guidance on the request process. healthvermont.gov (search "patient choice")
• Compassion & Choices Vermont — Provides patient advocacy, physician referrals, and practical support for Vermonters using the Patient Choice Act. compassionandchoices.org
• Death with Dignity National Center — Educational resources and legislative tracking for Vermont's law. deathwithdignity.org

Medical Contacts

• Vermont Medical Society — Professional body for Vermont physicians; publishes guidance on Act 39 participation requirements and conscientious objection.
• Vermont Association for Hospice and Palliative Care — Connects patients with specialist palliative teams for comfort-focused care alongside or instead of MAID.
• American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) — National resource for MAID physician training and patient referrals. aahpm.org

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