Medical assistance in dying

Question 1

euthanasia definition?

Answer 1

at patient’s voluntary request, practitioner administers medication that causes patient’s death

Question 2

practitioner-assisted suicide (PAS) definition?

Answer 2

at the patient’s voluntary request, practitioner prescribes or provides medication that a patient can self-administer to cause their own death

Question 3

Substantive criteria: Eligibility for MAID

Answer 3

• 18 yrs of age and capable of making health decisions
• having grievous and irremediable medical condition
• making voluntary request for MAID
• capable of giving informed consent

Question 4

What are the procedural due care criteria for MAID (safeguards in place to ensure that substantive criteria are satisfied)
- Practitioner must:

Answer 4

• hold opinion that person meets substantive criteria
• second independent practitioner confirms in writing that substantive criteria met
• MAID request made in writing. Document witnessed, signed, dated after diagnosed with grievous & irremediable medical condition
• waiting period of 10 days between signed request and provision of MAID (shorter waiting period possible)
• ensure person knows request can be withdrawn
• Offer opportunity to withdraw request and elicit express consent prior to MAID

Question 5

What is the mature minor doctrine?

Answer 5

• recognizes pt’s comprehension of nature and consequences of treatment has determinants beyond age
• children’s wishes should be granted based on evolving maturity
• acknowledged under common law (but not recognized in Quebec)