On April 25, 2024, the BCCNM board approved revisions to the Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) standards, limits, and conditions for nurse practitioners (NPs). These changes come into effect May 27, 2024.
Summary of changes
NPs must ensure that a request for MAiD aligns with the client's values and beliefs, is clear, enduring, and is made during a period of stability rather than crisis.
NPs must refer clients identified to be at risk of suicide for suicide prevention and supports.
NPs must adhere to provincial or federal requirements governing treatment of individuals requesting MAiD that are being involuntarily admitted (Section 22 of the
Mental Health Act) or incarcerated at the time of requesting MAiD.
NPs must obtain all required health information before determining eligibility for MAiD, including collateral information from the client's health care team, family members, or significant contacts as applicable.
Given the risks associated with MAiD, there is an increased focus on BCCNM's
Indigenous Cultural Safety, Cultural Humility, and Anti-Racism practice standard within the standards, limits, and conditions on MAiD. We made edits for clarity, readability, and to eliminate duplication.
MD–SUMC
Revisions related to MAiD for those whose sole underlying medical condition is a mental disorder (MD-SUMC) are not being incorporated to the standard at this time due to the delay in changes to the
Criminal Code
announced in February 2024 by the Government of Canada.
Indigenous engagement
Indigenous key audiences and their representatives at B.C. health authorities, First Nations Health Authority, and Métis Nation BC were invited to provide feedback on the proposed standards. The consensus was that the standards, limits, and conditions were clear and easy to understand.
The
Indigenous Cultural Safety, Cultural Humility, and Anti-racism standard is highlighted within the revised MAiD standards to ensure all NP MAiD assessors and assessor-providers are aware of incorporating those principles into their MAiD assessment and provision process. Failure to apply the principles of the
Indigenous Cultural Safety, Cultural Humility, and Anti-racism practice standard when assessing for or providing MAiD may result in harm to Indigenous clients and communities. Key Indigenous audiences and their representative noted that highlighting this standard was an important addition.
Health Canada Indigenous consultation
Health Canada launched an online
Engagement on Indigenous Perspectives on Medical Assistance in Dying to gather the views and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples on MAiD. The results of this engagement are not yet available as the consultation remains open until June 2024. BCCNM shared this engagement opportunity with registrants and the public via an
announcement on the BCCNM website in September 2023 and via registrant newsletters in October 2023.
Once the results from the Health Canada engagement are published, BCCNM will review the findings and engage with Indigenous key audiences as required to determine whether additional standards or resources are required to ensure Indigenous cultural safety is comprehensively addressed in the context of MAiD.
Questions?
Submit a request using our
Standards support form.