Medical Aid In Dying Bereavement Group

via Zoom 2nd Thursday of each month

Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) 

The Medical Aid in Dying Law aims to ensure a peaceful death, with the the goal of preventing suffering and achieving a death experience consistent with the patient’s values and wishes. California passed the End of Life Option Act, also known as Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD), in 2015 & it took effect June of 2016.

We still find that most people facing end-of-life decisions do not know of the law or all the options available to them and therefore are unable to make educated, informed, end-of-life decisions. 

  • Our mission is to help ensure that all Californians who are eligible for the End of Life Option Act are able to utilize the MAiD process, if they wish.  Our staff will help you understand all aspects of the law by providing education, support, and compassion every step of the way.

Many Californians find the steps for utilizing the law difficult and cumbersome. That's where we come in.

  • We will help you and your family walk through the process from beginning to end.

  • We will explain all of the steps required and discuss all of the legal end-of-life options available in California, including the End of Life Option Act.

  • We will provide support and advocacy through every step of the process. 

We believe in your choices at end-of-life & we are here to make sure your questions are answered and hour wishes are honored.

Is the California End of Life Option Act right for you?

 

1. Are you a resident of California?

California's End of Life Option Act requires that you fulfill one of the following pre-requisites to prove your residency.

(A) Possession of a California driver’s license or other identification issued by the State of California.
(B) Registration to vote in California.
(C) Evidence that the person owns or leases property in California.
(D) Filing of a California tax return for the most recent tax year.

2. Are you an eligible candidate?

California's End of Life Option Act requires that you fulfill all of the following to be eligible for MAID:

  • You are 18 years of age

  • Have a terminal illness and confirmed to have a 6 month (or less) life expectancy

  • You’re making an informed decision

  • You have decisional capacity to make an informed decision

  • You are physically and mentally capable of ingesting aid in dying medication

  • You have not demonstrated undue coercion and you’ve acted of your own accord

  • You have submitted and signed the witnessed written request form

  • You are California Resident

3. When should you talk about your options?

Sooner than you think. If you are a resident and eligible, we can talk more about your options immediately. This is a difficult discussion but you need to know how and when to proceed.

Your next step is to talk about it with someone who can help. Let’s discuss your options, your concerns, your questions, your fears and anything else concerning you. We have a team of end-of-life clinicians that will support you and your family throughout your journey with empathy and compassion.

Services Offered by LA Patient Advocates:

  • RN visit to explain all necessary steps and provide assessment

  • Physician assessment to determine eligibility for the End of Life Act

  • Physician consult for prescribing EOL medications

  • Provide medication and delivery

  • RN in attendance and support throughout process