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.