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 disease-modifying 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 for terminally ill, mentally capable adults to selfadminister prescribed medication to end their life.
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 you practice in a jurisdiction where MAID is not legal, 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 the United States( U. S.). To learn about MAID in Canada, please see our Canadian 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 terminally ill individuals within legal jurisdictions.
• MAID is not euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide.
• Physicians are legally protected when state or jurisdictional law is followed.
• Physicians are not required to prescribe the medication if it is requested.
• The death certificate will list the underlying disease as the cause of death( e. g., PSP, MSA or CBD).
• Not all patients who have the medication decide to use it.