POLICY: MEDICAL AID IN DYING
AUTHORITY: WAC 246-978
PURPOSE:
The philosophy and mission statement of Hospice of Spokane guides how we care for patients at the end-of-life. Our philosophy states the final stages of life are as important as all other stages, deserving presence, respect, and dignity as well as freedom of choice. Hospice of Spokane’s mission embraces its role as a model of excellence in end-of-life care. We specifically spell out that our mission affirms life and intends to neither hasten nor prolong death.
This philosophy and mission guide our policy on medical aid in dying. We respect a patient’s freedom of choice but balance that with our mission of neither hastening nor prolonging death.
Washington state passed the Washington Death with Dignity Act on November 4th, 2008. This act allows terminally ill patients to end their life by taking medications prescribed by a provider. The patient must be a competent adult who is a Washington resident suffering from a terminal illness that will lead to death within six months.
PROCEDURE:
Hospice of Spokane respects a patient’s choice to make their own health care decisions regarding treatment but must balance this against our mission of neither hastening nor prolonging death. In patients who are exploring or pursuing medical aid in dying utilizing the Washington Death with Dignity Act we support their decision but will not actively participate as a consulting provider or in writing prescriptions to cause a patient’s death.
We will support a patient’s decision:
- Provide information and contact information for organizations (End of Life Washington) so the patient can make an informed decision
- Provide information on providers who may participate as a consulting or prescribing physician in our community
- Continue with medical, social, and spiritual support of the patient as they explore their options or participate in medical aid in dying
- Attend the patient after death and provide bereavement services to the patient’s family
We will not be an active participant in medical aid in dying:
- Providers contracted with Hospice of Spokane in the course of their duties will not act as the consulting or prescribing providers for the patient participating in medical aid in dying
- Patients will be asked to contact the prescribing provider for any questions or complications regarding medications used in medical aid in dying
- Staff members or volunteers will not in any way assist with preparation or administration of the lethal medication, nor encourage, nor discourage its ultimate use
- Staff members and volunteers will not be present in the home or facility for the patient’s self administration of the medication to end their life
- Ingestion of lethal medication is not allowed at the Hospice House
- We will ask that the death certificate be sent to the prescribing provider to complete if the patient’s death is the result of taking the prescribed medications
Hospice of Spokane is committed to treating patients with compassion and dignity at the end-of-life. We believe this policy balances our philosophy of allowing patients control and choice at end-of-life with our mission of neither hastening nor prolonging death. If you have any questions regarding this policy, please contact Hospice of Spokane at (509)456-0438.