Voluntary Assisted Dying laws has been in place in Victoria since 19 June, 2019. The laws enable people at end of life who are suffering and who meet strict eligibility criteria to request access to voluntary assisted dying (VAD).
What is Voluntary Assisted Dying?
VAD refers to administering a medication for the purpose of causing death in accordance with the steps and process set out in law.
VAD must be voluntary and initiated by the person themselves. It will usually be self-administered. Only those who are already dying from an incurable, advanced and progressive disease, illness or medical condition will be able to access voluntary assisted dying.
For further details, see:
- Victorian Government Department of Health | Voluntary Assisted Dying
- Victorian Government Department of Health | Statewide care navigator service
The Voluntary Assisted Dying Act
The Victoria Parliament passed the VAD Act 2017 in November 2017 to provide a safe legal framework for people who are suffering and dying to choose the manner and timing of their death.
Resources for health professionals
The patient-doctor relationship is central in the discussions and planning around VAD. This professional support assists a person facing serious and terminal illness to make his or her own informed decisions and choices.
While health professionals are not required to participate in voluntary assisted dying, a person may make a request to any general practitioner.
The Victorian Health Association (VHA) is developing a model of care for health services to support implementation of the new laws including resources outlining the requirements of the VAD Act 2017. The VHCA is also available to help organisations plan their approach to participation in VAD.
More information is available from the VHA website.
See also
- Victorian Government Department of Health | Voluntary assisted dying training for medical practitioners
- Victorian Government Department of Health | Health practitioner information and best practice guidance on voluntary assisted dying