Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID)
In order to be eligible for medical assistance in dying, you must meet all of the following criteria. You must:
- be eligible for health services funded by the federal government, or a province or territory (or during the applicable minimum period of residence or waiting period for eligibility)
- generally, visitors to Canada are not eligible for medical assistance in dying
- be at least 18 years old and mentally competent. This means being capable of making health care decisions for yourself.
- have a grievous and irremediable medical condition
- make a voluntary request for MAID that is not the result of outside pressure or influence
- give informed consent to receive MAID
Only persons who meet ALL of the above criteria are eligible to be assessed for MAID.
Nova Scotians who are seeking information about MAID can discuss this with their primary care provider or a specialist. They may also contact the Nova Scotia Health MAID Access and Resource Team, toll free at 1-833-903-6243, or 902-491-5892 within the Halifax region. The Office email address is: maid@nshealth.ca. Voicemail and email messages will receive a reply within 3-5 business days. Documents and questions may also be faxed to the office at 902-454-0379.
Contact Information
If you have questions about MAID, please call 902-491-5892.
Nova Scotians who are seeking information about MAID can discuss this with their primary care provider or a specialist. They may also contact the Nova Scotia Health MAID Access and Resource Team, toll free at 1-833-903-6243, or 902-491-5892 within the Halifax region. The Office email address is: maid@nshealth.ca. Voicemail and email messages will receive a reply within 3-5 business days.
Documents and questions may also be faxed to the office at 902-454-0379.
FAQ for the public
- For the public: Frequently asked questions
- Patient & Family Guide [downloadable PDF]
- Guide à l’intention des patients et des familles [French Patient & Family Guide - downloadable PDF]
FAQ for doctors and nurse practitioners
FAQ for care professionals
Forms and Documents
Note: MAID documents are to be completed only under the guidance of a MAID clinician, or the Nurse Navigator.
- MAID Referral Form
- MAID Provision Form
- MAID Assessment Form
- MAID Request and Consent – Death Reasonably Foreseeable (to be completed following first MAID assessment)
- MAID Request and Consent – Death NOT Reasonably Foreseeable (to be completed following first MAID assessment)
- MAID Advance Request – Waiver of Final Consent
Reporting
Nova Scotia MAID Case Summary 2016-Present (19 April, 2022)
|
Year |
Referrals |
MAID Completed |
Natural Death Before MAID * |
Died Before MAID ** |
Patient Lost Capacity |
Does Not Meet Criteria |
Patient Hold |
Referral Cancelled |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 |
36 |
24 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
|
2017 |
136 |
62 |
22 |
20 |
10 |
5 |
1 |
15 |
|
2018 |
241 |
133 |
61 |
24 |
5 |
8 |
5 |
10 |
|
2019 |
284 |
150 |
62 |
4 |
18 |
9 |
10 |
25 |
|
2020 |
373 |
198 |
68 |
1 |
27 |
12 |
35 |
17 |
|
2021 |
520 |
224 |
80 |
35 |
17 |
13 |
29 |
14 |
| 2022 | 164 | 38 | 22 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 8 | 5 |
|
Totals |
1754 |
829 |
315 |
87 |
89 |
49 |
88 |
89 |
* Patient had completed assessments and did not schedule procedure
**Patient was awaiting assessments to be completed. In some cases patients passed within hours of receipt of the referral
