Opt-Out of Colorado End-of-Life Options Act

The Colorado End-of-Life Options Act authorizes medical aid in dying and allows a terminally ill adult to end his or her life in a peaceful manner. The patient must meet several requirements, including:

• A prognosis of six months or less;
• Mental capacity to make an informed decision;
• Residency in Colorado; and
• Has requested and obtained a prescription for medical aid-in-dying medication.

Colorado law recognizes certain rights and responsibilities of qualified patients and health care providers under the End-of-Life Options. Under the Act, a health care provider, including San Luis Valley Health, is not required to assist a qualified patient in ending that patient’s life.

San Luis Valley Health (SLVH) has chosen not to participate under the Act. Caregivers at SLVH, including both the Regional Medical Center and Conejos County Hospital, will still provide all other requested end-of-life and palliative care and other services to patients and families.

Updated January 25, 2017