Medical Assistance in Dying
The medical assistance in dying information page is where you will find important updates, information and resources that impact nurses in Ontario.
On, June 17, 2016, Bill C-14 received royal assent, making it possible for eligible people to receive medical assistance in dying in Canada. The law establishes safeguards for clients and offers protection to health professionals who provide medical assistance in dying, along with people who assist in the process in accordance with the law.
On April 19, 2017, the Ontario government passed regulations that enable NPs to prescribe controlled substances if they have completed approved controlled substances education.
On May 9, 2017, the Ontario government passed legislation related to medical assistance in dying. The legislation provides more protection for clients, their families, health care providers and health care institutions. It also clarifies when Nurse Practitioners and physicians can complete the medical certificate of death.
The Guidance on Nurses’ Roles in Medical Assistance in Dying has been updated to reflect these changes.
The College will continue to monitor any changes that impact this guidance and modify this information as required.
Documentation Tools for NPs
NPs are accountable to meet the expectations for documentation outlined in the Documentation and Nurse Practitioner practice standards. The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) has developed clinician aids to support the provision of medical assistance in dying. These clinician aids include forms that can be used by NPs to document that the legal requirements for medical assistance in dying have been met. You can access these forms through the following links:
Clinician Aid A - Patient Request for Medical Assistance in Dying
Clinician Aid B - (Primary) “Medical Practitioner” or “Nurse Practitioner” Medical Assistance in Dying Aid Clinician Aid B (Form to assist the NP or physician providing medical assistance in dying- the Primary Clinician)
Clinician Aid C - (Secondary) "Medical Practitioner" or "Nurse Practitioner" Medical Assistance in Dying Aid Clinician Aid C (Form to assist the NP or physician providing a second opinion confirming that the client meets the eligibility criteria for medical assistance in dying- Secondary Clinician)
Additional Resources
- Medical Assistance in Dying – Resources and References
- Medical Assistance in Dying – FAQs
- MAiD Portal – Nurse Practitioners Association of Ontario
- July 5 Teleconference Slides
- Medical Assistance in Dying – June 20 Update
- Medical Assistance in Dying – May 31 Update
- The Centre for Effective Practice MAID resource
