Victoria's Voluntary Assisted Dying Law: Clinical Implementation as the Next Challenge

Abstract

The Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2017 (Vic) (VAD Act) will become operational on 19 June 2019. A designated 18‐month implementation period has seen an Implementation Taskforce appointed, and work is underway on projects including developing clinical guidance, models of care, medication protocols and training for doctors participating in voluntary assisted dying (VAD). While some have written on the scope of, and reaction to, the VAD legislation there has been very little commentary on its implementation. Yet, important choices must be made about translating these laws into clinical practice. These choices have major implications for doctors and other health professionals (including those who choose not to facilitate VAD), patients, hospitals and other health providers. This article considers some key challenges in implementing Victoria's VAD legislation.

Keywords: voluntary assisted dying, assisted dying