To date, the Supreme Court of Canada’s June 6, 2016 deadline for the Federal Government to have legislation in place for Medical Assistance in Dying has not been met.
Presently, patients have the ability to request medically assisted dying from a physician under the Carter decision of the Supreme Court and the applicable policy of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan.
Registered Nurses (RN), Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPN) and Registered Nurse (Nurse Practitioners) RN(NP) do not have a specific criminal code exemption for discussing or assisting in the delivery of medical assistance in dying without legislation in place.
Registered nursing regulatory bodies advising members not to participate
The Saskatchewan Registered Nurses Association (SRNA) has communicated the following guidelines and expectations to all Saskatchewan Registered Nurses:
- Members do not assist or counsel patients in medical assistance in dying. The process in place at this time is that patients should discuss this matter with their physician.
- If the involvement of an RN or RN(NP) is requested, members are advised to call the SRNA as soon as possible for practice support (1-800-667-9945 ext. 200 or email practiceadvice@srna.org).
- Members may refer to the Canadian Nurses Protective Society (http://www.cnps.ca) for professional liability support (1-800-267-3390).
The Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) is advising members not to participate. “We will continue to advocate for clients and to provide comfort care for those who are dying and continue creating and implementing a nursing care plan … around end-of-life care,” said Chief Executive Officer Anne Sutherland Boal.
The Government of Saskatchewan’s position
On June 6, 2016, the Saskatchewan Minister of Health, Dustin Duncan clarified the province’s position on Medical Assistance in Dying. "I respect and the government respects the Carter decision. We will be ensuring the Carter decision is respected in Saskatchewan," said Duncan.
Until federal legislation is passed, Saskatchewan will be following guidelines set out by the College of Physicians and Surgeons.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan provided guidance in November of 2015 in the event that there were no laws covering the act.
- The guidance has an expectation that two physicians be involved in the assessment of patients before the decision is made.
- The guidance also says there should be a "cooling off period," Patients shouldn't receive medical assistance in dying immediately but should express that over a period of time "to avoid the possibility that somebody makes an impetuous decision."
This is all part of the national document from the national college given to physicians across Canada.
For any further assistance or clarification SUN members are asked to please contact the SRNA: 1-800-667-9945.
