A 2015 Supreme Court of Canada ruling decriminalized medical assistance in dying when specific criteria are met, with the change to come into effect in June 2016.

Since February 7, 2016 there has been a case by case mechanism through the Court for a patient to seek individual authorization for medical assistance in dying, exempting their physician and named colleagues from the applicable Criminal Code provisions.

Beginning June 6, 2016 there will no longer be a requirement for Court involvement.

A challenging issue

Legislation introduced in Parliament on April 14, 2016 outlines more specifically the criteria and safeguards, further clarifying the model for medical assistance in dying in Canada, and the Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons, Registered Nurses, and Pharmacy have each provided interim guidance to their members. See below. This is a significant and challenging issue for many practitioners across the province. It will be challenging to implement a process that acknowledges the recent Supreme Court of Canada decision and pending federal and provincial legislation, honours the concerns and desires of providers, and also sensitively attends to the wishes of patients who consider that their circumstances are intolerable.

Provide your input on the VCH process

VCH is working on developing a system of response to requests for medical assistance in dying, and has struck a Working Group to make recommendations to the organization to implement a system which supports staff in supporting patients who request medical assistance in dying, including efforts to ensure patients have had the opportunity to consider all services available to them. Along with links to the Colleges’ guidance, a draft policy, process flow chart, forms, information for requesters, and advice for staff on how to respond to requests for information can all be found on VCH Connect.

Your input is welcome – please direct comments, suggestions, and questions to maid@vch.ca.