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Bill

S 138

VA Home Loan Awareness Act of 2025

119th Congress Introduced by John Boozman and 23 co-sponsors

Bill S 138 allows terminally ill patients to choose medical aid in dying under strict conditions, impacting patients, healthcare providers, and families.

Introduced in Senate
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 138

Summary of Bill S 138: Medical Aid in Dying Act

Overview

Bill S 138, introduced on January 8, 2025, aims to address the provisions surrounding medical aid in dying. This legislation seeks to establish a legal framework that allows terminally ill patients to choose to end their lives through prescribed medication, under specific conditions.

Key Provisions

While the detailed content of Bill S 138 is not provided, the following key aspects are typically included in similar legislation:

  • Eligibility Criteria: Patients must be diagnosed with a terminal illness and meet specific medical criteria to qualify for medical aid in dying.
  • Informed Consent: Patients must provide informed consent, ensuring they understand their options and the implications of their decision.
  • Prescribing Protocols: The bill would outline the procedures for healthcare providers to prescribe medication for assisted dying, including necessary safeguards to prevent abuse.
  • Waiting Period: A mandatory waiting period may be established to allow patients to reconsider their decision.

Legislative Actions

  • January 8, 2025: The bill was introduced and referred to the Health Committee.
  • June 9, 2025: The committee was discharged and the bill was committed to the Rules Committee.
  • June 9, 2025: The bill was ordered to a third reading and subsequently substituted by A136, indicating that A136 may contain similar provisions or updates to the original bill.

Affected Parties

The primary stakeholders impacted by this legislation include:
- Terminally Ill Patients: Individuals facing terminal diagnoses who may seek to exercise their right to choose medical aid in dying.
- Healthcare Providers: Physicians and medical professionals who would be responsible for administering the provisions of the law.
- Families and Caregivers: Families of patients may be affected by the emotional and ethical implications of assisted dying.

Related Legislation

Bill S 138 is connected to several prior-session bills, indicating ongoing legislative interest in this area:
- A 10059
- A 2383
- A 2694
- S 6471
- S 2445

Additionally, it has a companion bill, A 136, which may provide further context or alternative approaches to the same issue.

Conclusion

Bill S 138 represents a significant step in the ongoing discussion about medical aid in dying. While it has been substituted by A136, the intent remains to provide terminally ill patients with the option to end their suffering under regulated circumstances. The legislative process will continue to shape the final provisions and implications of this important issue.

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

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