Managing Voluntary Assisted Dying Policy
MP 0154/21 - Managing Voluntary Assisted Dying Policy (pdf 208KB)
Applicable to: This Policy is applicable to all WA health system entities, as defined in this Policy.
Description: The purpose of the Managing Voluntary Assisted Dying Policy is to outline requirements for WA health system entities to appropriately, safely and effectively manage and respond to requests for voluntary assisted dying.
This Policy is a mandatory requirement for WA health system entities under the Clinical Governance, Safety and Quality Policy Framework pursuant to section 26(2)(c) of the Health Services Act 2016.
This Policy mandates the requirements for WA health system entities to develop local policies and procedures regarding how they will respond to patient requests for voluntary assisted dying and how they will manage voluntary assisted dying processes appropriately, safely and effectively and consistently across the WA health system.
The requirements of this Policy are in addition to the legal requirements of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2019 (which commences in full on 1 July 2021).
Legislation to be read in conjunction with this Policy includes:
- Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2019
- Medicines and Poisons Act 2014
- Coroners Act 1996
- Health and Disability Services (Complaints) Act 1995
- Criminal Code Act 1995 (Commonwealth).
When developing local policies and procedures related to voluntary assisted dying, applicable Mandatory Policies include:
- MP 0084/18 Credentialing and Defining Scope of Clinical Practice Policy
- MP 0131/20 High Risk Medication Policy
- MP 0139/20 Medicines Handling Policy.
Date of effect: 01 July 2021
Policy Framework
Clinical Governance, Safety and Quality
CEO Practitioner Eligibility Requirements
Western Australian Voluntary Assisted Dying Guidelines
WA Voluntary Assisted Dying Approved Training
Western Australian Voluntary Assisted Dying Statewide Care Navigator Service
Voluntary Assisted Dying Safety and Quality Guidance for WA Health Services