State lawmakers have sent legislation to Gov. Doug Ducey that proponents say will give additional protection to medical professionals and hospitals from having to help people die in Arizona.

The bill, which has passed through the Senate, cleared the House Tuesday.

It spells out that it is illegal to discriminate against any health care entity because it does not provide a service that results in the death of the patient. That includes assisted suicide, euthanasia and mercy killing.

Rep. Randall Friese, a Democrat and a doctor himself, objected, saying he believes this will actually interfere with an individual’s right to die.

"As a critical care physician and surgeon, helping families recognize the transition from prolonging life to in fact prolonging death is a very important part in that transition process," Friese said.

But Republican Rep. Mark Finchem said it was a matter of conscientious objection.

"This is about compelling somebody, forcing them to do something in the course of their employment that they might have a religious objection to or an objective moral standard objection to," Finchem said.

Questions remain about how the potential new law might affect someone with a "living will.''

The bill is now in the hands of the governor.