NEWS

Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

Ontario Introduces Legislation on Medical Assistance in Dying

Province Providing Clarity and Protection for Patients and Health Care Providers
December 7, 2016 3:15 P.M.
Ontario has introduced legislation that would, if passed, support the implementation of medical
assistance in dying by providing more protection and greater clarity for patients, their families
and their health care providers.
Federal legislation, which passed in June 2016, guides how medical assistance in dying can be
provided. The province's proposed Medical Assistance in Dying Statute Law Amendment Act
aligns with the federal medical assistance in dying legislation and would address areas that fall
under provincial legislation.
The Medical Assistance in Dying Statute Law Amendment Act would ensure:

Benefits, such as insurance payouts and workplace safety benefits, are not denied only
because of a medically assisted death
Health care professionals and those who assist them are protected from civil liability
when lawfully providing medical assistance in dying
Health care providers and facilities that provide medical assistance in dying have their
privacy protected
There will continue to be effective reporting and monitoring of medical assistance in
dying cases.

In addition to the existing Clinician Referral Service, the province will also work to establish a
care coordination service to assist patients and caregivers in accessing additional information
and services for medical assistance in dying and other end-of-life options.
Ontario has also developed information, tools and training to support patients, health care
providers and health care facilities on medical assistance in dying related matters.

QUOTES
" There are many sensitive and complex issues related to end-of-life care. These legislative
amendments will support the implementation of medical assistance in dying in Ontario by
adding clarity and protection for patients and health care providers. Our commitment is to
ensure that end-of-life care is provided in a safe, sensitive and compassionate manner."

- Dr. Eric Hoskins

Minister of Health and Long-Term Care

QUICK FACTS

Ontario's health regulatory colleges for physicians, nurses and pharmacists provide
additional guidance to help health care professionals provide appropriate medical
assistance in dying.
Ontario has established a Clinician Referral Service to support physicians in making an
effective referral for patient consultation and assessment for possible medical assistance
in dying cases.
Ontarios approach to medical assistance in dying has also been informed by public
consultations, with thousands of Ontarians, health care providers and stakeholders
sharing their views through in-person and online consultations.
Ontario is investing $75 million over three years to improve community-based palliative
and end-of-life care. Ontario is developing a comprehensive strategy on end-of-life care
that will focus on ensuring access to coordinated palliative care where patients want it
and supporting families and caregivers.

LEARN MORE

Details on medical assistance in dying

Information for health care providers
The Medical Assistance in Dying Statute Law Amendment Act

Media Line Toll-free: 1-888-414-4774

media.moh@ontario.ca
GTA: 416-314-6197
David Jensen Communications and Marketing Division-MOHLTC
media.moh@ontario.ca
416-314-6197
Shae Greenfield Minister's Office
416-325-5230
For public inquiries call ServiceOntario, INFOline (Toll-free in
Ontario only)
ontario.ca/health-news
1-866-532-3161

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