Maid Medical Assistance in Dying: BC’s New Law

Maid medical assistance in Dying: BC’s New Law provides a clear and concise guide to the new law on Medical Assistance in dying that came into effect in British Columbia on July 1, 2016.

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Introduction

On July 8th, 2016, the Canadian province of British Columbia passed a new law called the “Maid Medical Assistance in Dying” (MMAID). The MMAID is similar to laws that have been enacted in other jurisdictions, such as Belgium and the Netherlands, and provides a framework for Medical assistance in dying (MAID) to be carried out in a safe and dignified manner.

Under the MMAID, two physicians must independently assess a patient’s request for MAID. The patient must be 18 years of age or older, suffering from an irremediable medical condition that causes intolerable suffering, and be competent to make health care decisions. In addition, the patient must make their request for MAID voluntarily and without coercion from others.

Once these criteria have been met, a physician may proceed with MAID if they are satisfied that the patient meets all of the required conditions. The physician must then take all reasonable steps to ensure that the patient’s death is hastened with dignity and without unreasonable suffering.

The MMAID represents a significant step forward in ensuring that people who are suffering from unbearable pain can have access to Medical Assistance to die in a dignified manner. It is important to note that MAID is still an emerging area of law and medicine, and there may be unforeseen challenges that arise as it is implemented. Nevertheless, the MMAID provides an important legal framework for MAID to be carried out safely and humanely in British Columbia.

What is Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID)?

Medical assistance in dying (MAID) is when a doctor or nurse practitioner provides a person with the knowledge and means to end their own life.1

In order for MAID to be provided, the person must:

– Be eligible under the law
– Make 2 verbal requests at least 15 days apart
– Write down their request in front of 2 witnesses

The Canadian government passed a law making medical assistance in dying legal in 2016. In 2017, the British Columbia government passed its own law allowing MAID.2

1 “What is Medical Assistance in Dying?” Government of Canada, www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/end-life-care/medical-assistance-dying.html.
2 “Medical Assistance in Dying.” Government of British Columbia, www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content?id=A25C4E0AEC634F48A76DCAB6F60B85ED&navid=1215526978785#maid

Who is eligible for MAID in BC?

In order to be eligible for medical assistance in dying (MAID) in British Columbia, you must:

-be an adult (19 or over)
-be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
-have mental capacity (i.e., be able to understand information about MAID and make a free and informed decision)
-have a “grievous and irremediable” medical condition
-(this means that you have an incurable disease, illness or disability that causes intolerable suffering and that death is reasonably foreseeable)
-have made a voluntary request for MAID (i.e., not under duress or pressure from anyone)
-be assessed by two independent doctors or nurse practitioners

The MAID process in BC

In British Columbia, people who meet the eligibility requirements for medical assistance in dying (MAID) must follow a process outlined in the legislation.

After discussing their end-of-life wishes with their doctor, the person seeking MAID must:

1. Make two verbal requests for MAID, at least 15 days apart
2. Provide written confirmation of their requests to their doctor
3. undergo a psychological assessment (if their doctor thinks it’s necessary)
4. receive confirmation from a second independent doctor that they meet the eligibility requirements for MAID
5. wait at least 10 days from the day they received confirmation from the second doctor before receiving MAID
6. If they change their mind at any time, they can withdraw their request for MAID and it will not be carried out.

What are the risks and benefits of MAID?

Maid Medical Assistance in Dying: BC’s New Law
What are the risks and benefits of MAID?

In December 2015, the Canadian government passed a law making medical assistance in dying (MAID) legal across the country. In British Columbia, there is a new law that came into effect on July 8, 2016 that provides more information about MAID, who is eligible for it, and how it can be accessed.

MAID is a medical procedure where a doctor or nurse practitioner provides medication to a person who is terminally ill and suffering from an irremediable medical condition, so that they can end their life in a peaceful and dignified way.

There are some risks associated with MAID, such as the possibility of complications from the procedure itself or from the underlying medical condition. There is also a small risk that the person may not die as intended and may instead experience prolonged suffering.

Benefits of MAID include relieving suffering for people who are terminally ill and suffering from an irremediable medical condition, as well as providing them with more control over their death. There is also evidence that MAID can help to reduce psychological distress for both patients and their families.

What if I change my mind about MAID?

Maid Medical Assistance in Dying: BC’s New Law provides that an individual who has been approved for medical assistance in dying (MAID) may revoke their request at any time prior to the procedure being carried out.

If you have been approved for MAID but change your mind and wish to revoke your request, you must do so in writing. You can either destroy your existing request form or return it to the healthcare facility where you will be receiving MAID.

Once you have revoked your request, MAID cannot be carried out and your healthcare team will work with you to provide any other necessary care and support.

What if I am not eligible for MAID?

There are a number of reasons why someone might not be eligible for medical assistance in dying (MAID). The eligibility criteria are set out in the federal legislation and must be met before someone can access MAID.

The most common reason why people are not eligible for MAID is because they do not have a grievous and irremediable medical condition. This means that they must have a condition that is:

– causing them suffering that cannot be relieved in a way that they consider tolerable; and
– irreversible, meaning that it cannot be cured or stopped from getting worse; and
– at an advanced stage or causing declining capability.

Other reasons why someone might not be eligible for MAID include:

– being under the age of 18;
– being incapable of giving informed consent;
– having requested MAID within 10 days of giving their initial request; or
– asking for MAID before their natural death is reasonably foreseeable.

What are the implications of MAID for health care providers?

In Canada, medical assistance in dying (MAID) is currently legal in Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec and Saskatchewan. On July 8th, 2016, the Canadian government passed Bill C-14, which legalized MAID across the country.

Under the new law, MAID is available to any competent adult who is suffering from a “grievous and irremediable” medical condition that causes them “enduring physical or psychological suffering” that is “intolerable to them.” The condition must also be one that cannot be alleviated by any means available.

In order to receive MAID, a person must make a written request to their health care provider, and they must be assessed by two independent physicians or nurse practitioners to confirm that they meet all of the eligibility criteria.

The implications of MAID for health care providers are still being sorted out, but there are a few things that we know for sure. First of all, MAID is now a part of Canadian law, and as such, health care providers are required to comply with it. This means that if a patient who meets the eligibility criteria requests MAID, health care providers must provide it.

However,health care providers are not required to provide MAID if doing so would cause them to violate their conscience or religious beliefs. In these cases, health care providers must refer the patient to another provider who is willing to offer MAID.

Health care providers who do not want to participate in MAID can also choose to opt out of providing services that they consider to be morally objectionable. For example, a family doctor who does not want to prescribe medication for a patient seeking MAID can choose not to prescribe it. However, they must inform their patients of this ahead of time so that patients can make alternative arrangements.

What are the implications of MAID for society?

Maid Medical Assistance in Dying: BC’s New Law
What are the implications of MAID for society?
With the recent passing of British Columbia’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) law, there has been much debate about the implications of this new law on society. There are a number of different perspectives on this issue, and it is important to consider all of them before making a decision about whether or not MAID is right for you.

On one hand, proponents of MAID argue that it provides individuals with a dignified way to end their lives if they are suffering from an incurable disease or condition. MAID also gives individuals the opportunity to have some control over their own death, which can be empowering for those who may feel like they have lost control over their lives due to their illness. Furthermore, MAID can provide relief for families who may be struggling to care for a loved one who is suffering from a terminal illness.

On the other hand, opponents of MAID argue that it is a slippery slope that could lead to non-voluntary euthanasia. They worry that vulnerable individuals could be pressured into choosing MAID as an option, even if they are not truly ready or willing to die. Additionally, opponents argue that MAID goes against the Hippocratic Oath taken by physicians, which includes the pledge to “do no harm.” Given these concerns, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the implications of MAID before making any decisions.

Conclusion

The new law in British Columbia provides a framework for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). It is for patients who are suffering from a grievous and irremediable medical condition, and who request MAID. The new law also provides guidance to healthcare providers, so that they can offer MAID in a way that is consistent with their ethical and religious beliefs.