Deb’s Law: Navigating the End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act (SB 1950)

 LIVE WEBINAR - ZOOM

Wednesday, July 15, 2026
12:00pm - 1:00pm CST

*Full Details and Registration Available on ICA Website*

Workshop Description:

In December 2025, Illinois made history as the first state in the Midwest to authorize medical aid in dying (MAID). Named in honor of advocate Deb Robertson, "Deb’s Law" provides mentally capable, terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less the option to request and self-administer medication to end their life in a peaceful manner.

This informational webinar provides a comprehensive overview of the law’s implementation, scheduled for September 2026. Our presenters are prepared to discuss both what the law says and what it means for clinical practice, including for mental health practitioners who are not eligible to perform capacity evaluations under the law. We will break down the rigorous eligibility criteria, the multi-step request process, and the robust safeguards designed to protect both patients and healthcare providers. Participants will also receive our exclusive patient and clinician guides to MAID in Illinois, as well as other essential resources for navigating this new legal landscape.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Analyze Eligibility & Clinical Thresholds: Define the specific criteria a patient must meet under SB 1950, including residency, mental capacity, and the clinical definition of a terminal prognosis (< 6 months).

2. Navigate Professional Scope & Referrals: Understand the specific roles of "attending" and "consulting" physicians, and clarify the boundaries for mental health practitioners regarding capacity evaluations and the referral process.

3. Utilize Implementation Resources: Access and apply the standardized patient and clinician guides to MAID in Illinois to ensure compliant documentation, informed consent, and patient-centered communication.

Key Highlights for the Session

• The Referral Hook: Under the law, if an attending or consulting physician suspects a psychiatric or psychological disorder is impairing judgment, they must refer the patient to a licensed psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. This session clarifies how other mental health roles (LCSWs, counselors, etc.) fit into the broader support network.

• The Resource Kit: We will walk through the "Clinician’s Guide," which includes templates for the mandatory written requests and witness forms.