Medical Assistance in Dying – Update June

20
 

Bill C-14 received royal assent on Friday, June 17, 2016.  Please monitor the website.  We
will be updating information shortly.

As of June 6, 2016, federal legislation on medical assistance in dying is not in place;

therefore, the Supreme Court of Canada decision stands.  It is a criminal offence for
nurses to assist someone to die unless they have an Ontario Superior Court of Justice
order. Nurses should seek legal advice for clarity about their role in this process.

If clients are seeking information about medical assistance in dying, nurses should
refer them to a physician.

The February 6, 2015 Supreme Court of Canada decision, which did not apply to
nurses,  makes it possible for physicians to provide assistance in dying for a competent
adult who:

 Clearly consents to the termination of life

 Has a grievous and irremediable medical condition (including an illness, disease or

disability) that causes enduring suffering that is intolerable to the individual in the
circumstances of his or her condition

 Click here to read the Ontario government’s statement encouraging patients and
healthcare providers to apply for an Ontario Superior Court of Justice order for Medical
Assistance in Dying. For more information please visit
https://www.ontario.ca/page/medical-assistance-dying-and-end-life-decisions.

The College will continue to monitor any changes that impact this guidance and modify
this information as required.

Page last reviewed June 20, 2016