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As of February 6, 2016, Canadians have the right to take control of their own deaths by asking a physician or nurse practitioner to give them medication to end life.

Bill C-14 became law on June 17, 2016. It was amended on March 17, 2021 as Bill C-7.

Patient eligibility:
1. At least 18 years old and competent
2. Has a grievous and irremediable medical condition.
3. Voluntary request is required
4. Informed consent is required
5. Is eligible for publicly funded health care services in Canada

Medical assistance in dying requirements:
1. Medical opinion provided confirming patient meets all criteria
2. Requirement for a second independent medical opinion
3. Request in writing before one independent witnesses
4. Right to withdraw the request at any time
5. No waiting period if natural death is expected in the foreseeable future.
6. If natural death is NOT expected in the foreseeable future, then a 90-day assessment period is required and this begins after the first assessment (as long as it occurred after March 17, 2021).
7. Consent must be confirmed immediately before medical assistance in dying is provided UNLESS a waiver of consent has been signed.

We also must follow the standards of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC.

The College rules include:

The physician or nurse practitioner who prescribes and administers the drugs must stay with the patient until he or she dies.
The physician must use pre-printed prescription forms and pick up the medications directly from the pharmacist.