The process of physician assisted suicide (PAS) is rather lengthy and complicated. The patient must be diagnosed with a terminal illness and have 6 months or less to live. A 2nd doctor must confirm this diagnosis. There is no requirement for a psychiatric examination. If the doctor thinks the patient is suffering from depression he can order a psychiatric exam. In 1994, a survey showed 94% of doctors cannot recognize depression. In 2004 only 5% of PAS victims had psychiatric exams.
After qualifying as a candidate for PAS, the patient must verbally request assisted suicide drugs twice, these requests must be separated by at least 15 days. The patient then signs a written request, witnessed by 2 people. The doctor can then write the prescription for an overdose of drugs.
After getting the prescription filled the patient may take the drugs at anytime, immediately or at a later date. The doctor may not administer the overdose. The patient must take the drugs by himself with the help of no one. The doctor is not required to be present when the overdose is taken. A report must then be filed with the state by the attending physician, but no oversight is permitted in the matter.
http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/153/11/1469
