As nurses supporting older adults, we need to recognize the impact that Bill 14: An Act to amend the Criminal Code and make related amendments to other acts (Medial Assistance in Dying) will have on our practice. Please reflect upon your personal and professional views by reviewing documents currently in development by CARNA.
with thanks
AGNA Advocacy Committee
Sent on behalf of Pam Mangold, MN, RN – Policy & Practice Consultant
Member consultation results now available
Over the summer, CARNA completed a Thoughtexchange consultation with members and stakeholders to gather RN and NP views and feedback about medical assistance in dying. Over 2,500 people participated and we received over 8,500 thoughts. This interactive consultation is now available for viewing. Go to http://leadership2.thoughtexchange.com/carna-2/ to view the results of this consultation.
Medical assistance in dying framework under development
CARNA is collaborating with Alberta Health, Alberta Health Services, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and the Alberta College of Pharmacists (ACP) to develop a regulatory framework for medical assistance in dying (MAID) that is aligned, legally sound, safe and consistent with the Amended Criminal Code.
This framework includes additional provincial safeguards for consistency and patient safety. Alberta Health, in conjunction with CARNA, has developed mandatory standards of practice for NPs through an Order in Council. CARNA is currently awaiting the approval of these NP Medical Assistance in Dying Standards of Practice through this Ministerial Order in Council. These standards are required prior to NPs participating in MAID.
Provide your feedback on MAID guidelines
We recently asked for feedback on two draft guideline documents about medical assistance in dying. Both of these documents have been sent to stakeholders and all members of CARNA for feedback and are still open for feedback. To review and provide feedback on these documents please visit our website.
If you have any question about the above, please contact me at pmangold@nurses.ab.ca or at 780-732-9524.