Nova Scotia releases guidelines for medical professionals around assisted dying

The Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service has released new directives for medical professionals who may be involved in assisted dying in the province.

According to a media release, the Service, “will not prosecute any physicians or members of a health-care team involved in a physician-assisted death so long as it falls within the scope of the Supreme Court of Canada’s 2015 Carter ruling on the issue.”

Director of Public Prosecutions Martin Herschorn issued the directive to Crown attorneys across the province. The directives will remain in effect until the federal government passes its medical assistance in dying legislation.

Last week, the Nova Scotia Health Authority confirmed that four Nova Scotians are currently being assessed for doctor assisted dying access.

“We are in an unprecedented situation. In the absence of federal legislation, health-care professionals are concerned and this directive will provide clarity,” said Herschorn.

“Crown attorneys will rely on this directive for guidance to ensure no prosecution of any health-care professional who has acted properly in a physician-assisted death.”

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READ MORE: NS medical, legal experts hope feds take time to create effective assisted dying legislation

The Public Prosecution Service says they consulted with police before issuing the directive.

“This directive clearly outlines the procedure police agencies in Nova Scotia, including the RCMP, will follow until proper legislation is passed and it was developed with the understanding that the safety and security of Nova Scotians must remain the top priority,” said Chief Peter MacIsaac, president of the Nova Scotia Chiefs of Police Association.