The Ministry of Health is seeking your feedback on MAiD safeguards when new legislation will come into effect on March 17, 2024. Their Feedback on Draft BC Provincial Safeguards for MAiD for Mental Disorders survey is open until November 15 at 5pm.

Background

In preparation for the Federal Government’s upcoming expansion of eligibility for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) to those who suffer solely from a diagnosis of mental disorder, the BC Ministry of Health has developed draft provincial safeguards to support the safe and appropriate provision of MAiD for this patient population.

Doctors of BC has advocated for opportunities for physician input on these draft safeguards, and now the Ministry of Health is seeking your feedback.

Until 5:00pm on November 15, 2023, you can share your thoughts with the BC Ministry of Health through their Feedback on Draft BC Provincial Safeguards for MAiD for Mental Disorders survey. The draft safeguards, along with background information, a summary of the scope of this Ministry consultation, and Q&As can be found in the survey.

The change in eligibility for MAiD was originally scheduled to come into effect in February 2023, but the federal government delayed their plans in response to concerns raised during consultation with key stakeholders. The new legislation will now come into effect on March 17, 2024.

For more information

For questions or more information regarding the survey or the draft provincial safeguards, please contact: [email protected].

For more on BC’s existing provincial safeguards for MAiD, visit the provincial MAiD website.