Medical Assistance in Dying

Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) is a legal, end-of-life care option in which a MAiD Provider (doctor or nurse practitioner) helps a person who is eligible to voluntarily and intentionally end their life. Since June 2016, MAiD has been legal in Canada and is governed under federal law. This law sets out the eligibility requirements and processes under which MAiD can be provided.

Seeking a medically assisted death is a complex and deeply personal issue that needs to be carefully considered and planned. Please note that planning and coordinating a medically assisted death takes time. MAiD is not considered an urgent service. It is important and helpful to talk with your health care team about your wishes early in your journey so that, together, we can plan ahead.

The MAID Coordination Centre provides support, assistance and guidance on how to proceed with a MAiD request, and strives to provide timely services to individuals and families. With the high volume of calls and requests received, it may take a few days before we are able to respond to your request. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

It is normal to have questions and it is important to know that not every person who requests MAiD will be eligible or, if found eligible, will decide to choose a medically assisted death. Whatever you decide, your health-care team is here to honour and respect your wishes. It is important to know that you can submit your request, receive your assessments and eligibility status before deciding if, or when, you will proceed with MAiD. Again, it is helpful for the MAiD Coordination Centre to receive as much advance notice as possible of your chosen date.

To learn more about MAiD, you can speak with the doctor or nurse practitioner who is most responsible for your care. Doctors and nurse practitioners are not obligated to participate in the MAiD process. However, they must connect you with another health-care provider who will support your request.

In addition, you can ask any member of your health-care team about medical assistance in dying.

If you have questions or difficulty accessing information or services related to MAiD, please contact Interior Health’s MAiD Coordination Centre:

• By phone: 250-469-7073 (Kelowna area) or 1-844-469-7073 (toll-free from other areas)

• By email

The following resources also contain more information:

• MAiD Pamphlet for Individuals and Families - A brief overview of the eligibility criteria and how to start a request for medical assistance in dying.

• A Shared Journey: A resource for individuals, families and loved ones about medical assistance in dying

 This comprehensive resource provides more detailed information of eligibility criteria and required assessments, how to start a request if a loved one has requested MAiD, what to expect throughout the process, and grief and bereavement resources.

To start the process, you need to complete the Request for Medical Assistance in Dying form (HLTH1632). Please refer to the Instructions for Completion guide for information on how to complete the request form.

Once completed, submit the request form directly to the MAID Coordination Centre via:

• Fax: 250-469-7066

• Mail or in-person drop off to:
  MAiD Coordination Centre
  c/o Kelowna Health Services Centre
  505 Doyle Ave Kelowna, BC V1Y 0C5

If you need help finding, completing or submitting the form, you can ask a member of your health-care team or go to any Interior Health facility for assistance. We recognize the sensitivity of your personal health information and endeavour to protect your privacy. Please see Caring for Your Information.