MEDICAL AID IN DYING

What is Medical Aid in Dying?

The New Jersey End of Life Options Act was passed in August of 2019. The law provides that a person who has six months or less to live, and is mentally capable of making medical decisions, has the option to request a prescription for medications which they can take in order to end intolerable suffering and to die peacefully. This empowers qualified individuals to end their lives in a dignified and compassionate manner, in line with the principles of self determination and autonomy. 

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Requirements for Eligibility

The individual must be:

• 18 years or older, and a current resident of the state of New Jersey.

• Terminally ill with a six-month or less prognosis. 

• Mentally competent to make medical decisions for themselves without coercion.

• Physically able to self administer approximately 3 ounces of liquid medications.

 

What Qualifies as a Terminal Illness?

Examples of terminal illnesses include:

• Metastatic cancer

• Neuromuscular diseases including Parkinson's disease and ALS

• Advanced heart, lung, liver and kidney disease

 

​Although dementia is considered a terminal illness, this diagnosis does not qualify for MAiD.  Mental Health diagnoses also do not qualify for MAiD under New Jersey law.

 

Verbal Request

Two verbal requests made to the prescribing physician at least 15 days apart are required by law. Additionally, you must see a second consulting physician who will confirm the diagnosis and prognosis, and confirm competency.

 

Written Request

The patient fills out and signs “Request for Aid-in-Dying Medication To End My Life in a Humane and Dignified Manner.” The signing of this document must be witnessed by two people, only one of whom can be a family member.

 

​Obtaining a Prescription

When all of the requirements are fulfilled, the prescribing physician can write a prescription for the aid in dying medication. Compassionate Endings NJ has a list of cooperating compounding pharmacies. The pharmacist will prepare the medication in the form of a concentrated powder which will be mixed with a liquid before being self administered. Medications can NOT be mailed to your home. The patient may designate someone to pick up the medication for them, or a courier service can be arranged.

 

Death Certificate

The prescribing physician generally signs the death certificate, listing the terminal illness as the cause of death. Nowhere on the death certificate will "Medical Aid in Dying" appear.  The NJ law clearly states that “…actions taken in accordance with the End of Life Options Act shall not, for any purposes, constitute suicide, homicide, or elder abuse under the law.” Life insurance and other policies CANNOT be affected by the decision to use aid in dying medication. Because Compassionate Endings NJ attends each death personally, there is no need to call  911. We will usually make the death pronouncement and fill out the death certificate.