A Vermonter's Guide to Medical Aid in Dying
​and End-of-Life Decision Making
Empower Yourself to Make Thoughtful Choices

What is Medical Aid in Dying?


​Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) gives adults who are terminally ill and who are capable of making their own decisions the option to receive prescription medication to bring about a peaceful death at the time of the patient's choosing. The medication must be self-administered.

​MAID is available to Vermont residents under Vermont's Act 39.  MAID is sometimes called "End-of-Life Choice" or "Death with Dignity."

Who Can Use Medical Aid in Dying?

To qualify under Vermont's Act 39, the patient must:
  • ​​Be a Vermont resident 18 years or older,
  • Have a terminal illness with six months or less to live,
  • Be capable of making their own health care decisions,
  • Be making an informed and voluntary request, and
  • Be able to self-administer the medication.
Act 39 is completely voluntary for patients and health care providers.

What are the Steps to Request
Medical Aid in Dying?

The patient must:
  1. Make two oral requests 15 days apart to the physician who will write the prescription.
  2. Make a written request in the form required.  Click here for the form.
  3. Have a second physician confirm that the patient qualifies.
​Based on experience, we suggest allowing two months for this process.

Once You Qualify:

  • Your doctor will write a prescription and provide you with instructions, including where to have the prescription filled.
  • It is your choice whether or not to take the medication.  It is also your choice to decide who you want to be with you if you use the medication.  PCV recommends that your hospice nurse be present.  You may have your family, friends, or others who are important to you.​
What if...
If your doctor has not prescribed under Act 39 before or if there are questions, knowledgeable doctors are here to help.  You doctor can check under Clinician's Guide to Medical Aid in Dying and contact PCV to be connected with a Vermont doctor who has medical aid in dying experience. If your doctor declines to assist you with the Act 39 process, we suggest that you ask for a referral to another doctor.  See How to Talk to Your Doctor. If your doctor is from an out-of-state medical institution and is not licensed to practice in Vermont you will need to ask for a referral to a Vermont physician.  Allow extra time for the process.

Communicate with Your Medical Team and Those You Love

What are the End-of-Life Care Options?

If you have a serious illness or a six-month terminal prognosis, make sure you understand all your options.  Ask your doctor to explain how these care options apply to you:
  • Disease treatment options
  • Palliative care
  • Home health and hospice
  • Pain and anxiety management
  • Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED)
  • Withdrawing medical treatments that are no longer relevant or wanted
  • Do Not Resuscitate (DNR/COLST) orders
  • Medical Aid in Dying (MAID)
​Several of these approaches can be used in parallel to deliver the most comfortable care.

Enrolling in Hospice

You have the option to enroll in hospice when you have a six-month terminal diagnosis.  Hospice services can cover a range of needs including pain management and help with personal care.  If you so choose, a hospice professional can help guide you through the Act 39 process and can be present for medical aid in dying.  Speak to your doctor to understand more about what hospice can offer you.

Further Preparation

Appoint a Health Care Agent:
The Vermont Department of Health Advance Directive forms include a page for appointment of your Health Care Agent.  For this role, choose someone you trust who can help you make decisions, communicate with your medical team, and speak for you if you become no longer capable of doing so.

Be aware that only you personally (not your health care agent) can request and administer medical aid in dying.

Record Your Values and Preferences:
You can use your Advance Directives to provide guidance to your Health Care Agent and your medical team about what is most important to you.  This is an opportunity to:
  • Clarify your own thoughts about the care you would like in case of serious illness or terminal diagnosis.
  • Help your team understand what is most meaningful in your life.
  • Provide direction on how you would like your care to be managed.
The PCV tri-fold print brochure (as seen below) is available in hard copy.
Please, CONTACT us if you or your organization would like to obtain a supply for distribution. 
​You may also Download the File as a PDF.

Click the navigation panel on the right to see all six folds.
PCV's Helpline for Vermont Residents:  802-448-0542, or info@patientchoices.org.