The District of Columbia Death with Dignity Act of 2016, D.C. Law 21-182, was effective on February 18, 2017 and applicable as of June 6, 2017. This act allows terminally ill adults seeking to voluntarily end their life, to request lethal doses of medication from licensed physicians in the District (MD/DO). Terminally ill patients must be District of Columbia residents who have been medically confirmed to have less than six months to live.

Educational Modules

DC Health has created three educational modules outlining the responsibilities of physicians, patients and pharmacists related to the District of Columbia Death with Dignity Act of 2016.  You can review these modules at the following links:

• Patient Education Module
• Physician Education Module*
• Pharmacist Education Module

(*Physicians are encouraged to review the Physician Education Module.)

Attending Physician Portal

Please select here to access the Attending Physician Portal. 

On the Death with Dignity Attending Physicians Portal you will be able to complete the following activities:

• Create a user account on the Portal
• Create your Attending Physician Profile
• Attest to completing the Physician Education Module
• Enter patient information
• Correspond with Consulting Physicians, Psychologist/Psychotherapist, Pharmacist and Patients using email notifications
• Send, receive and upload forms
• Calendar appointments and important follow ups 
• Create tasks and notes

Forms and Additional Resources:

• SAMPLE FORMS for completing and ensuring compliance with requirements of the District of Columbia Death with Dignity Act of 2016 (D.C. Law 21-182):
• Educational Modules
• Death Certificate Guidelines  
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  
• Compassion and Choices
• District of Columbia Hospice Providers
• Safe Drug Disposal

Annual Reports

Contact Information

All questions regarding the Death with Dignity Program can be submitted via email to [email protected].

Alternatively you may reach the Health Regulation and Licensing Administration via regular mail at:

Death with Dignity Program 
Department of Health 
Health Regulation and Licensing Administration
2201 Shannon Place SE, 1st Floor
Washington, DC 20020

Due to COVID-19, please call the Health Regulation and Licensing Administration via our Call Center at 1 (877) 672-2174.