As of February 6, 2016, all provinces and territories in Canada must ensure patients have access to physician-assisted death. While the Supreme Court provided a four-month extension for the development of legislation, individuals are able to apply to the courts for access to physician-assisted death in the meantime.
Since federal and provincial legislation has not yet been developed, the College has produced a preliminary guidance document for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in Ontario. The document serves as interim guidance to support the profession when serving patients who have qualified and consented to physician-assisted death. It is intended to help pharmacy professionals comply with the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice in a manner that is consistent with the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision.
All pharmacy professionals should continually monitor information from the College about physician-assisted death, as the guidance is based on the information available at the time of publishing. Future development of policies, legislation or regulations may impact this document, and will be communicated to the profession as it unfolds.
Physician-Assisted Death — OCP Preliminary Guidance to Pharmacists & Pharmacy Technicians