California End of Life Option Act

Additional details are available on the End of Life Option Act page on My Doctor Online.

If you have questions or want to learn more about this option or our program in Northern California, please call the Appointment and Advice Line at 1-866-454-8855 to set up a time to talk with a patient coordinator.

The California End of Life Option Act (ELO) allows adults in California with a terminal illness to ask their doctor for medicine that will end their life. People who follow all the legal steps will not be seen as having died by suicide. Instead, they will be seen as having died from their illness. Using this option is a personal choice for both patients and doctors.
 

Who can use this option?

To get the medicine, a person must:

1. Be 18 years or older
2. Live in California
3. Have a terminal illness that is expected to cause death within six months
4. Be able to make medical decisions and not have judgment affected by a mental illness
5. Be able to take the medicine by themselves (by mouth, feeding tube, or other ways)
    

How does a patient obtain aid in dying?

1. The patient must ask their doctor for the medicine three times—twice by speaking and once in writing. The two spoken requests must be at least 48 hours apart. The waiting time starts as soon as the patient makes the first request.  The written request must be on a special form and signed with witnesses. The “attending physician” is the doctor in charge of the patient’s care. 
2. The doctor must agree to prescribe the medicine and check that the patient meets all the legal rules. 
   Note: If the doctor does not want to take part, they don’t have to. They may tell the patient and write down the request in the medical record. They can also send the record to another doctor if asked.
3. The doctor must explain all end-of-life care options and what it means to take the medicine.
4. The patient must talk with the doctor alone (except for an interpreter, if needed) to make sure the choice is their own.
5. A second doctor must confirm the diagnosis and that the patient qualifies.
6. If the patient has a mental illness, a mental health expert must check that they can still make medical decisions.
7. Before writing the prescription, the doctor must explain how to store and take the medicine. The patient can still change their mind.
8. Patients are encouraged to join a hospice program.
9. The patient or someone they choose gets the medicine and learns how to use it or throw it away safely if not used.
10. The patient must take the medicine in a private place with another person present. 
11. Any unused medicine must be thrown away following doctor or pharmacy instructions.
     

How long does the entire ELO process take at Kaiser Permanente SCAL?

The full process usually takes about three weeks. Doctors carefully review each case before giving the medicine. After the second spoken request, the steps include:

• At least three doctor visits, a review of the medical record, and talks with specialists if needed
• Filling out the written request form with two witnesses
• Waiting about 7 business days for the medicine to be prepared, delivered, and reviewed by a pharmacist

Kaiser Permanente doctors take time to understand each patient’s illness and wishes. They also work with hospice, palliative care, and mental health experts when needed.
 

How soon will I get the medication after the prescription is written?

It usually takes 7 business days to get the medicine. It can’t be delivered on weekends or holidays. The medicine is sent by courier, and a pharmacist will talk with the patient—usually the same day.
 

If the waiting period is 48 hours, why can't the medication be obtained in 48 hours?

The law says the first and second spoken requests must be at least 48 hours apart. But the rest of the steps don’t have a set timeline. Kaiser Permanente works to complete the process quickly while making sure all legal steps are followed and the patient is fully evaluated.
 

Can I take the medication at Kaiser Permanente?

No. Kaiser Permanente does not allow the medicine to be taken at any of its facilities.

If you are a Kaiser Permanente patient, talk to your doctor about your care options. Your doctor will help make sure your care matches your goals.
 

The End of Life Option Act at Kaiser Permanente

At Kaiser Permanente, we aim to give high-quality, affordable care with compassion—even at the end of life. We offer hospice and palliative care to support patients and families.

We respect each patient’s choices. If a patient wants to learn more about this option, we are here to help.

Licensed clinical social workers are available to guide patients, families, and doctors through the process. If you are thinking about this option, talk to your doctor or call the medical social work department at your local Kaiser Permanente facility.
 

Resources:

Bill Text
AB-15 End of life
SB 380 End of Life Option Act 2022

California Medical Association 
CMA On-Call: California End of Life Option Act

California Department of Public Health
CDPH
 

State Documents

Documents may also be found on the Medical Board of California website.

1. Request for an Aid-in-Dying Medication to End My Life in a Humane and Dignified Manner form
   Official form for patient to request aid-in-dying medication from the attending physician
2. Request for an Aid-in-Dying Interpreter Declaration form
   Official form for interpreter to sign after helping patient complete the aid-in-dying medication request
3. Attending Physician Checklist and Compliance form
   Official form for attending physician to ensure compliance in prescribing the aid-in-dying medication
4. Consulting Physician Compliance form
   Official form for consulting physician to ensure compliance in prescribing the aid-in-dying medication
5. Attending Physician Follow-Up form
   Official form that attending physician completes after the patient’s death
   
   

End of Life Option Act Coordinator Contact List

Kaiser Permanente Southern California

Medical Center Area	Department of Medical Social Work
Antelope Valley	661-951-0070
Baldwin Park	626-851-7042
Downey	562-657-8590
Kern County	855-323-2700
Los Angeles	323-783-4371
Orange County	949-932-2970
Panorama City	818-375-2977
Riverside & Moreno Valley	951-251-7307
San Bernardino	909-427-5191
San Diego	619-641-4456
South Bay	424-251-7791
West Los Angeles	323-857-2329
Woodland Hills	818-719-3785