End of Life Options
Ron Silverio/Heather Block End of Life Options Act
The “Ron Silverio/Heather Block End of Life Options Act” is effective in Delaware as of January 1, 2026, and authorizes medical aid in dying (MAID).
Final regulations were published by the Register of Regulations on March 1.
This Act allows an adult Delaware resident to obtain medication that may be self-administered by the individual to end their life. To be eligible, the adult Delaware resident must be:
- Determined as terminally ill by an attending and consulting physician or APRN.
- Given a prognosis of six months or less to live.
- Acting voluntarily.
- Determined to have capacity to make healthcare decisions.
Session Law of the Ron Silverio/Heather Block End of Life Options Act
Final Order for 4603: End of Life Options
Department Role
The Department of Health & Social Services, by way of the Division of Public Health’s Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics, is charged with creating an annual report and collecting limited information about patients that participate in the Act to ensure provider compliance with the law. Personal information collected will be kept confidential and data will be aggregated to ensure privacy.
Annual Reports
First annual report will be released in Calendar Year 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
TBA
Required Patient Submission
Submission Instructions:
Patients must submit the original signed form to their attending physician or attending APRN at least 48 hours before medication can be dispensed. Patients should also request a copy to keep for their files.
Required Provider Reporting Forms & Instructions
Submission Instructions:
Forms required to be submitted by the Attending Physician or APRN or Dispensing Provider may be submitted via mail or secure e-mail.
| Mailing Address | Email Contact |
|---|---|
|
Attn: Data Acquisition, Health Statistics Center Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics James Williams State Service Center, Suite 109 805 River Road, Dover DE 19901 |
DE_HealthStatistics@delaware.gov Include “EOL” in the subject line |
Submission No. 1
| Appendix | Description |
|---|---|
| Appendix A | Written Request for Medication to End My Life in a Humane and Dignified Manner |
| Appendix B | Attending Physician or Attending APRN Compliance Form |
| Appendix C | Consulting Physician or Consulting APRN Compliance Form |
| Appendix D | Psychiatrist or Psychologist Compliance Form (If referral is applicable.) |
Responsibility of: Attending Physician or Attending APRN
Timeline: Must be submitted within 30 calendar days of writing a prescription for medication to end the life of a qualified patient.
Submission No. 2
| Appendix | Description |
|---|---|
| Appendix E | Medication Dispensing Form |
Responsibility of: Dispensing Health Care Provider
Timeline: Must be submitted within 30 calendar days of dispensing medication for medication to end the life of a qualified patient.
Submission No. 3
| Appendix | Description |
|---|---|
| Appendix F | Attending Physician or Attending APRN Follow-Up Form |
Responsibility of: Attending Physician of Attending APRN
Timeline: Must be submitted within 20 calendar days of a qualified patient’s ingestion of lethal medication or death from any other cause, whichever comes first.