This information explains what Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) is and who is eligible for it. It also lists support resources where you can find more information about MAiD.
What is MAiD?
MAiD is an end-of-life option for people who are terminally ill. Terminally ill means you have an illness, disease, or health condition that, according to doctors, you will likely die from within 6 months.
If you’re eligible for MAiD, you can ask a doctor who participates in MAiD to prescribe life-ending medications. You can take these medications at a time of your choosing.
Only patients can make a request for MAiD. Family members, caregivers, and health care agents cannot request MAiD for a patient.
Who is eligible for MAiD?
MAiD is legal in New Jersey, Vermont, Washington, D.C., and several other states. It is not legal in New York State.
Every state has different legal requirements for who is eligible for MAiD and how the MAiD process works.
To be eligible for MAiD under New Jersey law, you must be:
- A legal resident of New Jersey.
- An adult (18 years of age or older).
- Able to understand and make your own healthcare decisions.
- Diagnosed by qualified doctors as terminally ill. Terminally ill means you have an illness, disease, or health condition that, according to doctors, you will likely die from within 6 months.
- Able to self-administer (give yourself) the life-ending medications.
Does MSK participate in MAiD?
No. MSK does not participate in MAiD. Under New Jersey law, it’s up to hospitals and healthcare providers to decide whether or not they participate in MAiD. MSK does not participate in MAiD for any patient, even if they live in a state where MAiD is legal, such as New Jersey.
None of our doctors, nurses, or staff members at any MSK location can participate in MAiD. Your attending doctor and everyone else on your care team cannot write or fill prescriptions for life-ending medications. They also cannot sign MAiD Physician Compliance forms or other legal documents required by New Jersey or any other state.
You may be able to get MAiD assistance from other hospitals or healthcare providers, depending on their policies. Ask your care team for more information about this.
Talk with your care team about MAiD
Even though MSK does not participate in MAiD, you can still talk with your care team about it.
Your care team will do all they can to help you understand your options and make informed decisions. They can answer your questions, listen to your concerns, and comfort you. They can also tell you where to find information about MAiD.
Remember, your care team is here to support you at every step of your cancer care, including end-of-life care.
To learn more about MAiD, read the “Resources” section.
Your care team is always here for you
If you’re eligible for MAiD and decide to go through the MAiD process, you do not have to stop receiving care at MSK. You can continue with your treatment plan at MSK, if you choose.
Your care team will still be here for you if you decide to go through the MAiD process. They will make sure you and your family continue to get the support you need. If you need physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual support, they can refer you to support services at MSK. These include:
- Supportive Care Service
- Social Work Services
- Spiritual Care Services
- Counseling Center
- Integrative Medicine Service
- Patient Representatives
To learn more about support services at MSK, read MSK Support Services and Caregiver Support Services.
Resources
Here are some resources where you can find more information about MAiD. MSK does not give legal advice or endorse any of these organizations or the materials they provide.
State of New Jersey Department of Health
www.nj.gov/health/advancedirective/maid
This site has information about MAiD specific to New Jersey.
American Clinicians Academy on MAiD
www.acamaid.org
This site has information and resources to help guide you and your family through the MAiD process. It offers a free booklet that can help you learn more about MAiD and understand your options. It also offers a Patient-to-Doctor Referral System that can refer you to doctors in your area who participate in MAiD.
