(a)(1) As used in this section, 'physician-assisted suicide' means a physician or healthcare provider participating in a medical procedure or knowingly prescribing any drug, compound, or substance for the express purpose of assisting a patient to intentionally end the patient's life.(2) However, 'physician-assisted suicide' does not apply to a person participating in the execution of a person sentenced by a court to death by lethal injection.(b) It is unlawful for a physician or healthcare provider to commit the offense of physician-assisted suicide by: (1) Prescribing any drug, compound, or substance to a patient with the express purpose of assisting the patient to intentionally end the patient's life; or(2) Assisting in any medical procedure for the express purpose of assisting a patient to intentionally end the patient's life.(c) Physician-assisted suicide is a Class B felony.(d) This section does not prohibit a: (1) Physician or healthcare provider from carrying out an advanced directive or living will; or(2) Physician from prescribing any drug, compound, or substance for the specific purpose of pain relief.Amended by Act 2019, No. 930,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.Acts 1999, No. ced directive or living will; or(2) Physician from prescribing any drug, compound, or substance for the specific purpose of pain relief.Amended by Act 2019, No. 930,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.Acts 1999, No. 394, § 1; 2007, No. 827, §§ 22, 23.
Arkansas Legal Code