Please read the entire MAiD Policy and Procedure. After reading, please acknowledge that you have done so by completing the form at the bottom of this page and submitting it to SARA. Thank you.
Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) Policy and Procedure
Policy
Sara Companion HomeCare Services is committed to providing compassionate, respectful, patient-centered care to every individual we serve.
Based upon the organization’s sincerely held moral convictions, Sara Companion HomeCare Services does not participate in Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) as authorized under New York State law.
Although the Agency does not participate in MAiD, patients who inquire about or choose to pursue Medical Aid in Dying will continue to receive compassionate, non-discriminatory care. The Agency will continue providing all medically appropriate home care services within its scope of practice and licensure.
Employees shall treat every patient and family member with dignity, respect, compassion, and professionalism regardless of their personal healthcare decisions.
Purpose
This policy establishes the Agency’s procedures for responding to inquiries regarding Medical Aid in Dying while maintaining compliance with New York State law, protecting employee conscience rights, and ensuring continuity of patient care.
Scope
This policy applies to all Agency employees, contractors, volunteers, students, supervisors, and administrative personnel.
Agency Participation
Sara Companion HomeCare Services will:
- – Provide compassionate and supportive care.
- – Provide factual non-directive information when requested.
- – Continue all medically appropriate home care services.
- – Refer patients to outside resources for additional information.
- – Continue providing comfort care, symptom management, and end-of-life support.
Sara Companion HomeCare Services will not:
- – Recommend or encourage Medical Aid in Dying.
- – Determine whether a patient qualifies for MAiD.
- – Assess eligibility or decision-making capacity for MAiD.
- – Serve as an attending or consulting provider.
- – Prescribe or obtain MAiD medications.
- – Store, transport, prepare, or administer MAiD medications.
- – Assist a patient in taking, swallowing, or self-administering MAiD medications.
- – Be present solely for the purpose of participating in a MAiD event.
Procedure for Employees Receiving a MAiD Inquiry
If a patient or family member asks about Medical Aid in Dying, employees shall:
Step 1 – Listen Respectfully
The employee shall:
- – Remain calm and compassionate.
- – Allow the patient to express concerns.
- – Avoid expressing personal opinions.
- – Avoid attempting to persuade the patient either for or against MAiD.
Employees should respond using neutral language such as:
“I understand this is an important question. Sara Companion HomeCare Services does not participate in Medical Aid in Dying because of our organization’s policy. However, I can help connect you with resources that may provide additional information.”
Step 2 – Notify the Clinical Supervisor
The employee shall immediately notify:
- – Director of Patient Services
- – Clinical Supervisor
- – Administrator (if applicable)
The supervisor will determine whether additional clinical intervention or support services are needed.
Step 3 – Assess Immediate Needs
The supervising nurse should determine whether the patient’s inquiry reflects:
- – Uncontrolled Pain
- – Anxiety
- – Depression
- – Fear
- – Caregiver Stress
- – Unmet Palliative Care Needs
- – Unmet Hospice Needs
If appropriate, referrals should be made for:
- – Hospice
- – Palliative Care
- – Social Work
- – Chaplain or Spiritual Care
- – Behavioral Health
- – Physician Follow-up
Step 4 – Referral to Outside Resources
Employees shall not provide legal or clinical advice regarding MAiD.
Upon request, employees may provide contact information for:
- – The patient’s attending physician;
- – The patient’s hospital system or health system;
- – Hospice or palliative care providers;
- – Legal or advocacy organizations identified by the patient;
- – Other independent healthcare providers that discuss end-of-life options.
Employees shall not recommend any specific MAiD provider or organization unless approved by Agency administration.
Documentation Standards
All MAiD-related discussions shall be documented objectively in the clinical record.
Documentation should include:
- – Date and time.
- – Individuals present.
- – Patient’s exact statements when practical.
- – Neutral description of questions asked.
- – Educational information provided.
- – Referrals made.
- – Supervisor notification.
- – Patient response.
- – Any follow-up actions.
Documentation shall never include:
- – Personal opinions.
- – Moral judgments.
- – Religious counseling unless requested by the patient.
- – Statements discouraging or encouraging MAiD.
- – Speculation regarding patient eligibility.
Example documentation:
Patient asked about New York’s Medical Aid in Dying law and requested information. Patient was informed that Sara Companion HomeCare Services does not participate in MAiD based upon organizational policy. Patient was advised that information regarding outside healthcare resources may be provided upon request. Director of Patient Services notified. No immediate safety concerns identified. Patient continues receiving home care services.
Employee Responsibilities
Employees shall:
- – Follow this policy.
- – Maintain patient confidentiality.
- – Notify supervision promptly.
- – Continue providing ordered care.
- – Maintain professional boundaries.
- – Document accurately.
Employees shall not:
- – Participate in MAiD activities.
- – Witness execution of MAiD-related documents on behalf of the Agency.
- – Accept possession of MAiD medication.
- – Transport MAiD medication.
- – Assist with administration.
Employee Conscience Protection
Sara Companion HomeCare Services recognizes the sincerely held moral convictions of both the organization and its employees.
No employee shall be required to participate in any activity related to Medical Aid in Dying that conflicts with Agency policy.
Employees who decline participation in any MAiD-related activity consistent with this policy shall not be subject to:
- – discipline;
- – retaliation;
- – discrimination;
- – reduction in hours;
- – adverse employment action.
Employees remain responsible for continuing all other assigned patient care duties unless reassigned by supervision.
Questions regarding employee responsibilities shall be directed to the Director of Patient Services or Human Resources.
Patient Rights
Patients retain all rights afforded under New York law.
A patient’s inquiry regarding Medical Aid in Dying shall not:
- – affect admission,
- – affect continuation of services,
- – affect quality of care,
- – result in discrimination,
- – result in abandonment.
The Agency remains committed to compassionate end-of-life care regardless of a patient’s decisions.
Education
All employees shall receive education regarding:
- – this policy;
- – responding to MAiD inquiries;
- – documentation expectations;
- – patient rights;
- – hospice and palliative care resources;
- – professional communication.
Training shall occur during orientation and as needed thereafter.
Quality Assurance
The Director of Patient Services shall periodically review MAiD-related documentation and referrals through the Agency’s Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) program to ensure compliance with this policy, applicable laws, and documentation standards.
Effective: August 1, 2026
Reviewed and approved by: Stacey White, RN