The recently published revisions to the Medical Assistance in Dying practice standard and the accompanying frequently asked questions (FAQ). While medical assistance in dying where a mental disorder is the sole underlying medical condition (MAiD MD-SUMC) was ultimately delayed, the standard was revised to add clarity to requirements from the Ministry of Health.
Following an internal review the following revisions to the practice standard were made:
- Removed reference to 2021 changes in the Criminal Code as this is now outdated
- Removed any references to MAiD MD-SUMC
- Updated terminology to include “waiver of final consent” (updated name of form)
- Incorporated temporary COVID-19 additions as permanent changes
- Added new expectations in response to recent concerns from the MAiD oversight unit
- Registrants must provide rationale for determining if case is track 1 or track 2
- No date can be set and no substances can be dispensed until the eligibility assessments are complete
- Copies of Ministry of Health reporting forms must be in the medical record
- The medical records must be made available if requested by the Ministry of Health
- Revised reporting section to align with changes and feedback from the Ministry of Health
The FAQ document was similarly revised to match the updates to the standard and include new educational opportunities. The changes included:
- Revised reporting section to align with changes and feedback from the Ministry of Health
- Addition of new links from the Ministry of Health for reporting requirements
- Addition of new education modules from the Canadian Association of MAiD Assessors and Providers
The practice standard was endorsed by the Board for publication and published in February 2024.
Questions regarding the revised practice standards can be directed to communications@cpsbc.ca.