Medical Aid in Dying Under the District’s Death with Dignity Act
Records the position the governing body has adopted under the District’s Death with Dignity Act: hospice care continues for every patient whatever the patient decides, Agency staff do not take part in providing a covered medication in the course of their Agency duties, and staff respond to questions and requests with information, referral, records and full hospice support. Explains what federal funding law allows and what the Act protects and forbids.
About this policy
- Policy number
- DC-HSP-ETH-02
- Version
- 1.0
- Main rule
- D.C. Code §7-661.10
- Library
- Washington, DC hospice · 60 policies
- Category
- Ethics
- Sections
- 18
In short
- Hospice care continues for every patient, whatever they decide about the Death with Dignity Act.
- At work you do not prescribe, prepare, give or help a patient take a covered medication.
- If a patient asks, listen, tell the nurse coordinator the same day, and give information or a referral on request.
- Never pressure or influence a patient either way.
- You may decline to take part in a discussion or to be present. Tell the clinical manager.
What's inside
18 sections. The full text comes with the One-time Policy Pack.
- Terms of Reference
- 1. Purpose
- 2. Scope
- 3. Definitions
- 4. Policy Statement (D.C. Code §7-661.10)
- 5. What Federal Funding Law Allows
- 6. The Agency’s Position
- 7. Responding When a Patient Asks
- 8. If a Patient Obtains or Takes a Covered Medication
- 9. Staff Conscience
- 10. Agency Premises and Notice to Staff
- 11. Responsibilities
- 12. Records and Compliance Monitoring
- 13. Staff Training
- 14. References
- 15. Related Policies and Forms
- 16. Approval
- 17. Revision History
An inspector may ask
- What is your policy if a patient asks about the Death with Dignity Act?
- How do you make sure a patient who asks is not discharged or treated differently?
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