Medical Aid in Dying (MAID)

End-of-life decisions can be deeply personal and challenging. Colorado is one of the states that allows for medical aid in dying, offering individuals facing terminal illness the option to have more control over their end-of-life experience. Below is an overview of medical aid in dying in Colorado, along with some frequently asked questions:

What is Medical Aid in Dying?

Medical aid in dying (MAID) is a practice where terminally ill individuals, over the age of 18, can request and receive medication from a licensed physician to peacefully end their life if they meet specific criteria.

Key Points About Medical Aid in Dying in Colorado:

Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for medical aid in dying in Colorado, individuals must:
- Be diagnosed with a terminal illness that is likely to result in death within six months.
- Be mentally capable and able to make informed decisions about their healthcare.
- Make a voluntary and informed request for medical aid in dying.
Process: individuals can request medical aid in dying from their attending physician (if the provider participates in MAID). This typically involves the following process:
- Initial Request: The individual makes an initial request to their attending physician for medical aid in dying. This request must be voluntary, informed, and made by a mentally capable individual.
- Waiting Period: After the initial request, there is a mandatory waiting period, typically lasting at least 15 days, during which time the individual can consider their decision further and ensure it aligns with their wishes.
- Second Opinion: During the waiting period, the individual's attending physician will consult with a second physician to confirm the individual's eligibility for medical aid in dying. This second physician will review the individual's medical records, assess their prognosis, and ensure they meet all eligibility criteria outlined in the law.
- Final Request: If the second physician confirms the individual's eligibility, the individual can then make a final request for medical aid in dying to their attending physician. This request must be made in writing and signed by the individual in the presence of two witnesses who are not beneficiaries of their estate.
- Prescription: Once the final request is made, the attending physician can prescribe the medication for medical aid in dying. The individual then has the option to fill the prescription and self-administer the medication at a time and place of their choosing.
Medication: The medication prescribed for medical aid in dying is self-administered (self-ingested) by the individual. It is usually in the form of oral medication that induces a peaceful and painless death.
Legal Protections: Colorado's End-of-Life Options Act, passed in 2016, provides legal protections for healthcare providers who participate in medical aid in dying and safeguards against coercion or abuse.
Patient Rights: Individuals have the right to withdraw their request for medical aid in dying at any time and can change their mind up until the medication is self-administered (self-ingested). The patient also has the option to decline taking the medication once they have it in their possession.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is medical aid in dying legal in Colorado?
- Yes, medical aid in dying is legal in Colorado under the End-of-Life Options Act, which was passed in 2016.
Can any terminally ill individual request medical aid in dying?
- No, individuals must meet specific eligibility criteria outlined in the law to request medical aid in dying.
Does medical aid in dying involve euthanasia or assisted suicide?
- No, medical aid in dying differs from euthanasia and assisted suicide. In medical aid in dying, the individual self-administers the medication prescribed by a physician to bring about their own death.
Is medical aid in dying covered by insurance?
- Coverage for medical aid in dying may vary depending on the individual's insurance plan and provider. It's essential to consult with healthcare providers and insurance carriers to understand coverage options.
Can healthcare providers refuse to participate in medical aid in dying?
- Yes, healthcare providers have the right to conscientiously object to participating in medical aid in dying. However, they are required to inform patients of their right to seek information and assistance regarding medical aid in dying from other providers.

If you have further questions or need support, please don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare professionals or organizations specializing in end-of-life care.