VICTORIA — British Columbia's health minister has stepped in to clear up some confusion for doctors in the province who may be asked to provide medical assistance in dying.
Monday is the deadline given by the Supreme Court of Canada for assisted dying legislation, making it legal to provide medical help in dying for a competent adult who has a grievous or irremediable medical condition.
Health Minister Terry Lake issued a statement saying doctors will be guided by the criteria set out in the high court's ruling, allowing doctors to make sure safeguards are in place to protect vulnerable patients.
Lake says he's hopeful the federal government's law before the Senate to regulate assisted death will pass quickly to allow for a consistent approach to the service across the country.
The minister says for now, doctors must abide by the standards set out by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C.
He says the college has strengthened its directions to doctors on determining eligibility and deciding how best to care for patients asking for medical help in dying.
"This work aims to make medical assistance in dying in B.C. appropriate, available and well-monitored even before federal legislation is in place."
Lake says his government has also directed each provincial health authority to appoint a co-ordinator for medical assistance in dying.
"As this new service evolves, we will continue to strive towards providing those seeking medical assistance in dying with the same appropriate, accessible, patient-focused care British Columbians have come to expect from all health care services in this province."
