B.C. prepared for medically assisted death as it becomes legal

Assisted dying is no longer illegal in Canada and B.C.’s health minister is preparing to make the appropriate regulatory changes before federal legislation is in place.

A recent Supreme Court of Canada ruling determined that doctors will no longer be prohibited from providing medical assistance in dying to competent, consenting adults who have grievous and irremediable medical conditions. Their condition must cause enduring and intolerable suffering in order to be eligible for medically assisted death.

"The federal government has introduced Bill C-14, which is before Parliament, to regulate the practice of medical assistance in dying across Canada. We are hopeful this legislation will be passed quickly so B.C. and other provinces and territories can move forward with a clear and consistent approach to delivering this new service for patients,” Health Minister Terry Lake said in a statement.

The provincial government said it will use the Supreme Court ruling as a guide until the legislation is passed and will work alongside regulatory colleges and other partners to ensure safeguards are in place to support vulnerable patients.

"As always, doctors in B.C. must abide by the standards set out by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC,” Lake added in his statement. “In an effort to ensure strong safeguards to protect vulnerable patients, the college has strengthened direction to doctors by elevating advice on how best to care for patients seeking medical assistance in dying from guidelines to standards. This provides clearer direction to doctors on determining eligibility and following the most appropriate and safe procedures.”

Each health authority has been directed by the province to appoint a co-ordinator for medical assistance in dying. The College of Registered Nurses and the College of Pharmacists are working to support registrants in getting legal clarity on medical assistance in dying to further support patient access.