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HB 886

Health care; decision-making, definitions, medical aid in dying, penalties.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Patrick Hope

Virginia bill HB 886 legalizes physician-assisted death for terminally ill patients while establishing decision-making procedures and penalties for violations.

Continued to next session in Courts of Justice (Voice Vote)
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Bill Summary · HB 886

Legislative bill overview

HB 886 establishes a framework for medical aid in dying in Virginia, defining key terms related to end-of-life decision-making and creating procedures for physician-assisted death. The bill also specifies penalties for violations of these provisions and clarifies the legal status of healthcare decision-making.

Why is this important

This legislation addresses whether and how Virginia will permit physician-assisted death for terminally ill patients—a significant healthcare policy change that affects patients' autonomy at end-of-life, physician liability, and the state's regulatory approach to healthcare. The fiscal impact statements indicate this has budgetary implications for the state's healthcare and judicial systems.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional and ethical concerns: Opponents may argue physician-assisted death conflicts with traditional medical ethics or constitutional protections of life, while supporters contend it protects patient autonomy and dignity
  • Implementation safeguards: Disagreement over whether the bill's protections adequately prevent abuse, undue pressure on vulnerable populations, or hasty decisions by terminally ill patients
  • Provider conscience protections: Uncertainty about how the bill balances patients' rights to medical aid in dying against healthcare providers' rights to refuse participation based on conscience objections

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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