Medical assistance in dying (MAID) is the administering, or the prescribing or providing for the purposes of self-administration, by a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner, of a substance to a person, at their request, that causes their death.
In June 2016, the Parliament of Canada passed federal legislation that allows eligible Canadian adults to request medical assistance in dying (MAID). Subsequently, the Regulations for the Monitoring of Medical Assistance in Dying were amended in January 2023, including an exemption specific to pharmacists for the dispensing of MAID medications. Given the exemption, it is important for pharmacists to recognize their accountability and responsibility for their decisions and actions as well as for compliance with federal legislation when applicable standards when participating in any aspect of MAID.
Medical Assistance in Dying Standards of Practice
The following Standards of Practice describe the minimum expectations involved in the participation in any aspect of medical assistance in dying and are intended to promote consistency in the provision of the service.