Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID)
According to the Criminal Code, medical assistance in dying means a) the administering by a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner of a substance to a person, at their request, that causes their death; or b) the prescribing or providing by a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner of a substance to a person, at their request, so that they may self-administer the substance and in doing so cause their own death. RNs/NPs must ensure they have the individual competence (i.e., knowledge, skills, judgment, and abilities) to provide safe, competent, ethical, and compassionate care to clients receiving MAID, and must adhere to all other legislation, regulatory requirements and standards, ethical codes, and current policies and guidelines relevant to their practice. This document provides direction, in relation to regulatory responsibilities for NPs providing MAID and RNs and NPs aiding in MAID.
On February 22, 2024, CRNNL Council approved a revised MAID document which now acknowledges that NPs can raise MAID with a client if certain criteria are met and the adoption of the Federal Model Practice Standard for MAID.
NPs are expected to adhere to both the revised MAID document and the Federal Model Practice Standard for MAID when providing MAID. A companion document is also included that provides additional guidance and clarification for NPs.
Please note: On February 1, 2024, the Federal Health Minister introduced legislation to delay expansion of MAID eligibility until March 2027 for those whose sole underlying condition is a mental illness.
- Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID)
- Federal Model Practice Standard for MAID
- Advice to the Profession Companion Document