As of June 17, 2016 legislation is in place in Canada concerning medical assistance in dying.

Federal legislation

The process set in place by the Supreme Court of Canada in February 2015 has now been updated by federal legislation clarifying criteria for eligibility and other safeguards concerning medical assistance in dying. This includes confirmation of the exemption from Criminal Code exposure for nurses, pharmacists and other staff aiding a physician in assessment and provision of medical assistance in dying. A commitment was also made by Government to monitor and learn from experience over time.

Supports and resources

The following are available in the Client Relations & Risk Management section of VCH Connect (internal link) and on the internet, here. Your comments and suggestions for improvement to these resources are encouraged:

• The VCH policy
• Advice for staff in addressing requests
• Information resource for patients
• An evolving inter-disciplinary process guidance document
• Forms for use in documenting requests
• Links to current guidance of the Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons, Registered Nurses, and Pharmacists

More information

For support in coordination and system wayfinding for requests by patients or for other questions or suggestions please contact medicalassistanceindying@vch.ca or 1-844-550-5556.