Understanding MAID
Feeling Prepared: Talking about Medical Aid in Dying( MAID)
Progressive supranuclear palsy( PSP), corticobasal degeneration / syndrome( CBD / CBS) and multiple system atrophy( MSA) are rare, neurodegenerative diseases that currently have no cure or diseasemodifying treatments.
Because of the complex and quickly progressive nature of these diseases, many people begin to consider what death means to them and seek out future care options. This exploration might include consideration of medical aid in dying( MAID) to ensure a death with dignity on their own terms. MAID is a legal and medically guided process that allows someone who is found eligible to end their life with a prescribed medication. When you make a request for MAID, 2 independent medical practitioners must assess it.
MAID can be a controversial topic, and talking with patients or their family members about MAID may be anxiety-inducing. It can be especially difficult if it is an unfamiliar area of practice for you or you have your own complicated feelings about it.
However, in order to empower patients to make decisions that are best for themselves and their families, it is important to know how to talk about MAID objectively and empathically.
This resource focuses on MAID in Canada. To learn about MAID in the United States, please see our United States based resource.
To learn more about PSP, CBD and MSA, visit psp. org educational-resources.
Understanding MAID
Facts about MAID:
• MAID is a medical option for adults who have a grievous and irremediable medical condition who meet eligibility criteria.
• Physicians are legally protected when jurisdictional law is followed.
• Physicians must accept a MAID request but are not required to administer the medication themselves if a patient is eligible.
• The cause of death on the death certificate will not be MAID.
• Not all patients who request MAID and are deemed eligible ultimately receive it.