What are my Options? MAID in Hospice Care-MAID_Slides

MAID_Slides_Halporn

Pdf Summary

The document is a presentation by Dr. John Halporn on Medical Aid in Dying (MAID), covering various aspects such as legal, ethical, and practical considerations. MAID involves a physician providing a terminally ill patient with a prescription for a lethal dose of medication, which the patient intends to self-administer to end their life. The presentation highlights working definitions related to end-of-life decisions, including assisted suicide, euthanasia, and palliative sedation.<br /><br />The document traces the legal backdrop of MAID in the United States, mentioning states where MAID is legal, such as Oregon, Washington, and California, among others. It notes legal developments, including court cases and state legislation affecting MAID practices. Non-resident options in Vermont and Oregon are also discussed.<br /><br />The presentation provides a case study about a 71-year-old woman with advanced ovarian cancer seeking information on how her saved medication could be used for a comfortable end. Dr. Halporn outlines how clinicians might approach such patient inquiries, emphasizing ethical considerations and the importance of open communication.<br /><br />It discusses professional stances on MAID, highlighting differing opinions among organizations like the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM). The document addresses clinician preparation for discussing MAID, stressing the need for non-judgmental language and understanding patient distress signals.<br /><br />The presentation concludes with an emphasis on policy considerations for institutions, detailing how MAID information should be conveyed and managed, and the potential roles of palliative care and social work in these discussions. It includes Massachusetts legal guidance as an example of how clinicians should navigate MAID-related questions and decisions.

Keywords

Medical Aid in Dying

MAID

legal considerations

ethical considerations

end-of-life decisions

assisted suicide

euthanasia

palliative sedation

American Medical Association

palliative care