P.E.I. waiting on national framework for assisted dying

P.E.I. Premier Wade MacLauchlan and Health and Wellness Minister Robert Henderson are encouraging both the Senate and the House of Commons to pass legislation for a national framework on medically assisted dying.

They say Health PEI has developed a draft policy on medically assisted dying that will be brought in once the federal legislation has been passed.

• Missed deadline on medically assisted dying leaves doctors divided

Until that time, it will defer to the policy developed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Prince Edward Island, and requests will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

People who wish to access the service are being told to contact their health-care provider to discuss the options available.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons guidelines include an age requirement of at least 18, and that patients be mentally capable of making an informed decision.

The guidelines also require the physician involved to consult with a second doctor before carrying out a medically assisted death.

A doctor who declines to provide physician-assisted dying must disclose that fact to the patient, and provide medical care until no longer required or wanted, or until another physician has assumed responsibility for the patient.

• MORE P.E.I. NEWS | P.E.I. school officials inspecting oil tanks

• MORE P.E.I. NEWS | Island firefighters in Fort Mac expected home this weekend