Overview

This bill aims to establish a legal right for eligible individuals in England to die at home or their chosen place of residence. It mandates the government to create regulations ensuring healthcare professionals support this right, subject to specific eligibility criteria.

Description

The Right to Die at Home Bill seeks to give individuals in England the legal right to die at home, or a place they consider home, under specific circumstances. The bill outlines several key requirements:

• Eligibility: Only individuals deemed likely to die within three months by their doctor would be eligible. The bill also defines "home" and "resident in the United Kingdom."
• GP Notification: Individuals wishing to die at home must inform their GP, who is then required to record this in their medical records.
• Healthcare Support: Health and care staff are obligated to support and facilitate the individual's wish to die at home.
• Government Guidance: The Secretary of State must provide statutory guidance to healthcare services on implementing this right.
• Public Awareness: Once regulations are in place, the government must actively promote public awareness of this right.
• Parliamentary Approval: The regulations created under this act will require approval from both houses of parliament.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify exact figures for government spending. However, it will likely involve costs associated with creating and implementing regulations, providing statutory guidance, and raising public awareness of the new right. The overall financial impact will depend on the specific regulations developed.

Groups Affected

• Terminally Ill Individuals: This bill directly affects individuals nearing the end of life who wish to die at home. It potentially grants them a legal right to this choice.
• Healthcare Professionals (GPs and other healthcare staff): They will have additional responsibilities related to recording patient wishes and supporting their end-of-life care preferences at home.
• Families and Caregivers: This could impact families and caregivers who provide home care, potentially increasing their responsibilities or altering their roles.
• Government Agencies: The Department of Health and other relevant government bodies will be responsible for drafting and implementing the regulations and guidelines.

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