WhidbeyHealth does not mandate that any physician provider participate in the “Washington State Death with Dignity Act,” nor encourage any provider to do so. It is the individual provider’s decision to participate.
Death with Dignity Act
WhidbeyHealth Hospice respects the end-of-life choices of our patients. We support the rights of Washington State residents who are eligible for Medical Aid in Dying to end their lives through self-administration of life-ending medications. WhidbeyHealth Hospice provides education and guidance to our patients who are exploring options according to the Washington Death with Dignity Act (RCW 70.245).
Physician Participation:
The WhidbeyHealth Hospice Medical Director (Hospice MD) may discuss RCW 70.245 with the patient and family. The Hospice MD may serve in the role of “Consulting” or “Attending” provider. These duties include a review of the patient’s medical records confirming the diagnosis and prognosis, evaluating the patient, reviewing the risks, benefits, and alternatives to Medical Aid in Dying, and ensuring the patient has both capacity and voluntary decision making.
WhidbeyHealth Hospice Employee Participation:
WhidbeyHealth employees will provide support and guidance to patients who are considering or who have elected to use Medical Aid in Dying. WhidbeyHealth Hospice does not require any Hospice employee to be present for patient self-administration of a life-ending dose of medication. If the patient requests the presence of a WhidbeyHealth Hospice employee during self-administration of the medication, and the employee is willing to be present, then the employee may be present. The WhidbeyHealth Hospice employee, if present, will not participate in preparing or administering the life ending medication.
Financial Considerations:
WhidbeyHealth Hospice will not be responsible for any of the costs associated with Medical Aid in Dying. This includes any fees for the Attending or Consulting provider visits. WhidbeyHealth will not provide or cover the cost of the life-ending medication.