Health professionals can choose to be involved in providing assisted dying services or supporting the provision of services. They can also choose to not to be involved.

Only medical and nurse practitioners can provide assisted dying services as per the process set out in the Act. Other health professionals may be involved with the care of the person and or provision of information and support. A health professional’s involvement may depend on their willingness, their role and scope of practice, and their level of experience or skills.

All health professionals have legal and professional obligations to respond appropriately if a person raises assisted dying with them as part of their everyday roles. Health professionals are not able to suggest assisted dying as an option or initiate the first discussion about assisted dying. A person must raise assisted dying first.

Training is available on the Ministry of Health’s LearnOnline platform to support understanding of the legal obligations and duty of care to the person. The training prepares health professionals to respond in a respectful and helpful manner should a person raise the subject of assisted dying, and to know how the service is delivered, conscientious objection, and funding and where to direct a person who wishes to access this service.

This Manatū Hauora printable information sheet has more information about the law and how different health professionals may be involved in the assisted dying service. It includes information about conscientiously objecting to assisted dying services.

 

The public information section has details about assisted dying for the public, including printable information sheets. Health professionals can direct people to this website information, and draw on it themselves, if assisted dying is raised with them.

Assisted dying is a sensitive topic and may be difficult for some people. Please talk to your employer if you need support, including access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).