Overview

This bill aims to give eligible people in England and Wales the legal right to die at home, or a place they consider home, if they are expected to die within three months. It requires the government to create regulations and guidance to make this right a reality.

Description

The Right to Die at Home Bill mandates the Secretary of State to create regulations ensuring that individuals nearing the end of their life can exercise their right to die at home. Key aspects include:

• Eligibility: The regulations will define who is eligible, including residency requirements in the UK and a medical assessment confirming a life expectancy of three months or less.
• Recording Wishes: People who inform their GP of their wish to die at home will have this recorded in their medical records.
• Implementation: Health and care staff will be legally required to facilitate this wish.
• Definition of "Home": The bill requires clear definitions of "home" and "place the person regards as home."
• Government Guidance: The Secretary of State must provide guidance to healthcare services to effectively implement the right.
• Public Awareness: The government will be responsible for raising public awareness of this new right.
• Parliamentary Approval: The regulations must be approved by both Houses of Parliament.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify exact figures for government spending. However, costs will be incurred in developing regulations, providing guidance, raising public awareness and potentially supporting healthcare services in implementing the new right. The extent of these costs is not yet determined.

Groups Affected

• Terminally Ill Individuals: This group will directly benefit, potentially enabling a more comfortable and preferred end-of-life experience.
• Healthcare Professionals: GPs and other healthcare workers will have new responsibilities in recording wishes and facilitating the right to die at home.
• Care Providers: Care services may need to adapt their practices to accommodate the new legal requirements.
• Families and Carers: The bill may impact families and carers involved in end-of-life care, potentially impacting their roles and responsibilities.

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