Hospice and Medical Aid-In-Dying
November 21, 2023Medical Aid-In-Dying Attendance
November 21, 2023Medical Aid-In-Dying Procedure
1Can my primary care physician, or my oncologist provide medical aid-in-dying?
They can, however, most often they do not. The laws, and reporting requirements for legal aid-in-dying can be complex. In California, by law, a consultant physician is required, and there is a standardized form that must be completed. The law requires that a second (consultative) physician certify that a patient is appropriate for, and meets the aid-in-dying criteria. The hospice medical director, your primary physician, oncologist, or other qualified physician may make this determination.
2What is the medical aid-in-dying procedure?
California requires two verbal requests, and a specific form must be completed AT LEAST forty-eight (48) hours prior to the second request. The form must be signed in front of two witnesses, only one of whom may be a family member.
3Who should be with the patient on the day of ingestion?
Dr. Eckerling will prepare the medications, and you may consume the solution if you choose. You may change your mind at any time, and decide not to take the medication. Having a skilled physicia’s help provides safety, and allows the patient and their loved ones to focus on love and support, rather than on the technical aspects of the patient’s death.