​​Note: This section does not cover all legislation that may apply to MAiD. It should not be used as a substitute for reviewing the legislation itself or for obtaining legal advice.

Ke​​y standards​

• Medical Assistance in Dying practice standard
• Duty to Provide Care practice standard
• Documentation practice standard 

Introduc​tion

Medical assistance in dying (MAiD) is a process in which medications are used, at a client's request, to intentionally bring about their death. It is intended to support eligible clients who request this option. MAiD must always be carried out in a way that is safe, respectful, culturally appropriate, ethical, legal, and competent.

​​​Nurse's role in MAiD

Nurses play an important role in supporting clients and families throughout the process of MAiD. While they are not responsible for providing MAiD itself, nurses ensure care remains safe, compassionate, and respectful of client choices.

There are multiple roles for nurses related to medical assistance in dying. These include:

Talking to clients about MAiD​​

Nurses may provide clients with information about MAiD. However, it is against the Criminal Code to encourage, persuade, or recommend that someone end their life. Nurses must ensure clients do not feel pressured directly or indirectly either to pursue or not pursue MAiD.

The Criminal Code also requires that a client who asks about MAiD is informed about other options, such as palliative care. This helps ensure the client has the information needed to make an informed decision.

Nurses may:

• Provide accurate information about MAiD and other car​​e options (e.g., palliative care).

• Answer factual, evidence-based questions about MAiD that are consistent with federal and provincial law, BCCNM standards, and organizational policy. Examples include: what MAiD​​ is and who may be eligible; how to begin the assessment process; what supports are available (e.g., palliative care, pain management, counselling).

• Ensure clients feel supported and not pressured by reassuring them that asking abo​​ut MAiD won't affect their care, encouraging discussion of all care options and personal values, and reporting any signs of coercion or undue influence.

Nurses do not:

• Suggest, encourage, or recommend MAiD.

• Share personal judgments that may influence the clien​t's choice.

​​​Caring for clients who request MAiD

Nurses are responsible for safe, competent, ethical, and culturally safe care for all clients, including those requesting MAiD according to the Duty to Provide Care practice standard. Personal beliefs must not interfere with the provision of general nursing care, such as:

• Assistance with hygiene and toileting
• Providing fluids or food when requested
• Monitoring comfort and symptoms

• Post-mortem care after MA​​iD

Nurses cannot refuse to provide general nursing care to a client who has requested MAiD. Nurses are not required to provide or assist with MAiD but must continue to meet their professional obligations.

​​Aiding in the provision of MAiD

When aiding in the provision of MAiD, nurses must:

• Follow BCCNM standards, limits, and conditions, employer policies, and applicable laws.
• Complete additional education and use an established/employer-approved decision support tools (DSTs).
• Maintain the knowledge, skill, and judgment to provide safe, ethical care.

• Be reasonably certain that legal safegua​​rds and eligibility requirements have been met by the physician/NP.

Seek guidance from your employer or legal advisors as needed.

​​Conscientious objection​​

Nurses with a conscientious objection must ensure continuity of care and communicate their objection to their employer in advance. If a nurse has a conscientious objection to participating in MAiD, they must:

• Take all reasonable steps to maintain client safety and continuity of care and arrange for a safe and respectful transfer of care.
• Notify their employer as early as possible.
• If the request is unexpected, notify the care team immediately.

• Refer to ​the Duty to Provide Care practice standard for guidance.

​​Documentation in MAiD​​

Document the nursing care you provide (assessments, support measures, communication, general care). Do not document eligibility assessments, the administration of MAiD medications, or pronouncement of death—those are the responsibility of the physician or NP.

Nurses document the nursing care they provide, such as:

• Ongoing assessments
• Comfort and support measures
• Communication and collaboration with the health care team

• General nursing care before and after MAiD​

​​Case Studies

• Conscientious objection & duty to provide care​​
  

​​​Resources

Related BCCNM standards of ​​practice and resources

• Professional Standards​
• Boundaries in the Nurse-Client Relationship practice standard
• Consent practice standard
• Duty to Provide Care practice standard
• Documentation practice standard
• Privacy and Confidentiality practice standard​

• Legislation​ relevant to nurses' practice

External learnin​g resources

• Canadian Nurses Protective Society (CNPS): Medical Assistance in Dying — What every nurse should know

• Online course​​: Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) for Nurses (RNs, RPNs, and LPNs). Available through the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) Learning Hub

​​​Government and regulatory resources

• BC Government MAiD resource page (includes Health Authority MAiD Coordination Services)
• Information for health-care providers
• Provincial forms
• Federal Government MAiD resource page
• Infographic: Canada's new MAiD law
• College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC - Professional Standards and Guidelines on MAiD

• Model Practice Standard for Medical Assistance in Dying (Canada.ca) ​​ 

Disclaimer: ​​This resource is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional judgment or legal obligations.​
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