Medical Assistance in Dying
On February 6, 2015 the Supreme Court of Canada’s unanimous Carter decision ruled that certain patients have a right to seek medical help to end their lives. Canada’s federal medical assistance in dying legislation, Bill C-14, was enacted on June 17, 2016.
The College’s Professional Standard Regarding Medical Assistance in Dying is in alignment with Bill C-14. The Standard was developed through consultation with stakeholders and physicians throughout the province.
Nova Scotia Health Authority Resources
- For the public: Frequently asked questions
- For doctors and nurse practitioners: Frequently asked questions
- For care professionals: Frequently asked questions
- Medical assistance in dying: documentation and procedure checklist
- Request for and consent to medical assistance in dying
Education
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada has developed resources regarding medical assistance in dying:
- Two new cases within the College’s bio-ethics curriculum
- A workshop for residents, and the update of past bioethics cases due to new legislation
The Canadian Medical Association has developed the following educational offerings on end-of-life care and medical assistance in dying:
- Foundational online module on medical assistance in dying
- Advanced face-to-face course on end-of-life care and medical assistance in dying