PAs have a valuable role to play in Physician Assisted Death

OTTAWA, March 24, 2016 -- Today the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA) released a position statement indicating its support for the recent Supreme Court of Canada decision striking down the federal law prohibiting physician-assisted dying (PAD).

"Physician Assistants (PAs) should play and active role in helping to facilitate PAD and support physicians throughout the process" said Chris Rhule, National President, CAPA. CAPA supports patients' access to the full spectrum of end of life care that is legal in Canada and believes that there are situations where medical aid in dying may be appropriate for patients whose suffering is intolerable.

"As someone who could only stand by helplessly while my husband suffered through the final weeks of his life, I'm very pleased that Canadians like Don will have the option of an assisted death after June 6th," said Maureen Taylor, PA Lead on PAD and the widow of SARS microbiologist Dr. Donald Low.  Dr. Low died of an inoperable brain tumour in 2013, prompting Taylor to advocate publicly for a change in the Criminal Code.  "End of life care involves all the members of the health care team, and PAs are already part of that team.  In order for patients across Canada to have equal access to an assisted death, it's important that other health care professionals such as nurses and PAs be included in any federal or provincial legislation." 

Working in partnership and under the supervision of a physician, PAs can assist throughout the process by offering support to patients contemplating PAD and their families. CAPA believes that in some instances where the supervising physician feels it is appropriate and the situation warrants, regulated PAs should be permitted to administer medications that provide an assisted death.

CAPA respects freedom of choice and a PA's right to refuse involvement in assisted death, however, supports the requirement for an effective referral process.

Given the complexity and risk associated with PAD there is a need for government to create a regulatory framework that helps to guide this process. "Safeguards need to be established for physicians as well as for supporting health professions and administered by provincial regulatory bodies. This is an important issue that spans across all jurisdictions and affects all Canadians." said Rhule.

Assisted death is a serious decision with many inherent risks associated. CAPA's position statement is calling for a comprehensive legislative framework to be established before Canada embarks on this journey.

CAPA's position statement can be downloaded from the following link:
https://capa-acam.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/PAD_position_statement_Feb_2016_FINAL_BOD_approved_Mar_5_2016_letterhead.pdf

Media contact:
Natalie St-Pierre
Director, Communications and Stakeholder Relations
613-854-0675
[email protected]

CONTACT: Natalie St-Pierre
         [email protected]
         613-854-0675