California End of Life Option Act: Enacted on June 9, 2016, and revised in 2022, permits terminally ill California residents, aged 18 or older, to request medication from their physician to peacefully end their lives. Key topics include:

1. Eligibility Criteria:
   • Individuals must be 18 years or older.
   • Residency in California is a requirement.
   • A terminal disease with a prognosis of six months or less is necessary.
   • The person should be capable of making medical decisions without impaired judgment due to a mental disorder.
   • Ability to self-administer the medication orally, anally, or through an existing feeding tube.
2. Request Process:
   • Three requests are mandatory: two oral requests at least 48 hours apart and one in writing, witnessed on a special form.
   • The attending physician, responsible for the patient's health care and treatment of the terminal disease, must be willing to prescribe the aid-in-dying medication and ensure legal qualification.
   • If a physician chooses not to participate, specific procedures for informing and transferring medical records are outlined.
3. Physician Responsibilities:
   • The attending physician must explain all end-of-life options, review the implications of ingesting the aid-in-dying medication, and have a private discussion with the patient to ensure voluntary decision-making.
   • Consultation with a second physician and, if applicable, evaluation by a mental health specialist is required to confirm the terminal diagnosis and assess qualification under the law.
4. Waiting Period Changes (SB 380):
   • SB 380, effective in reducing the waiting period between the first and second oral requests from 15 days to 48 hours.
   • Clarification on when the waiting period begins.
5. Process Duration:
   • The average time for the complete process is three weeks.
   • Comprehensive physician review, at least three appointments, and adherence to legal requirements, including a written request form with witness signatures.
6. Medication Dispensing and Delivery:
   • Prescription dispensing and delivery average 7 business days after the second oral request.
   • Ingestion must occur in a private place with another person present.
7. Medication Ingestion:
   • Facilities may have policies regarding medication ingestion; specifics vary.
8. Mission and Support:
   • The process encourages individuals to seek support and information tailored to their choices and preferences.

Sharing care focuses on providing comfort, dignity, and support for individuals facing terminal illnesses. It addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, ensuring a compassionate and dignified transition. This holistic approach involves open communication, pain management, and respect for the individual's preferences, aiming to enhance the quality of life during the final stages. Specialized medical and emotional support is provided to both the patient and their loved ones.