Resources for Doctors
How to Talk to Your Patients; Medication Information
Patient Choices Vermont can put Vermont doctors in touch with local and national medical experts to provide information on medical aid in dying, including specific medications. New information on medication options is forthcoming frequently, as with many medical procedures. Different options may be appropriate for different patients' conditions, and less costly drugs may be a possibility. We suggest that prescribing MD's be in contact with local or national experts before a prescription is written to determine the best possible choice for your patient's situation.
Patient Choices Vermont can put Vermont doctors in touch with local and national medical experts to provide information on medical aid in dying, including specific medications. New information on medication options is forthcoming frequently, as with many medical procedures. Different options may be appropriate for different patients' conditions, and less costly drugs may be a possibility. We suggest that prescribing MD's be in contact with local or national experts before a prescription is written to determine the best possible choice for your patient's situation.
- Local: For local support, email PCV using the contact form or call 802-448-0542. Physicians will be connected with knowledgeable local physicians who have aid in dying experience.
- National: PCV partners with Compassion & Choices to provide expert support to doctors. Please see the C&C doctors' resource page, or contact the C&C medical advisory staff at 800-247-7421, or email doc2doc@compassionandchoices.org.
- ACAMAID: The American Clinicians Academy on Medical Aid in Dying provides a wealth of information on clinical considerations, pharmacology and other topics on their website ACAMAID.org.
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Education for Medical Professionals: PCV Board Members Dr. Diana Barnard and Dr. Jaina Clough have conducted numerous educational seminars for doctors, nurses and other medical professionals. Topics may include how to have end-of-life conversations with patients, clinical aspects of the Act 39 process, terminal medications, and pharmacy relationships. Please contact PCV to discuss your organization's educational needs.
Summary of 2022 Amendments to Act 39: Senate Bill 74 made three important improvements to Act 39. See the summary here. Pharmacies and Pharmacology For information on pharmacies in Vermont that fill medical aid in dying prescriptions, please contact PCV using the contact form or call 802-448-0542. The American Clinicians Academy on Medical Aid in Dying publishes current information about pharmacology. See https://www.acamaid.org/pharmacologyinfoupdates/. Vertical Divider
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Department of Health Guidance
The Vermont Department of Health website provides guidance, procedures and forms for patients and medical providers. VT Department of Health Link.
The Vermont Department of Health has issued its report to the legislature stating that from the adoption of the law in 2013 to June 30, 2021, forms were filed for 116 patients who qualified under the law. 74 of those patients are known to have filled their medical aid in dying prescriptions. Link to the report. According to the report, patients fall into the following underlying diagnoses groups:
Vermont Medical Society Policy on End-of-Life Care
On November 4, 2017, the Vermont Medical Society adopted a new policy statement on end-of-life care, recognizing Act 39 and medical aid in dying as legitimate options for patients, and respecting the individual choice of doctors to assist patients through the Act 39 process. The full resolution may be found here.
The Vermont Department of Health website provides guidance, procedures and forms for patients and medical providers. VT Department of Health Link.
The Vermont Department of Health has issued its report to the legislature stating that from the adoption of the law in 2013 to June 30, 2021, forms were filed for 116 patients who qualified under the law. 74 of those patients are known to have filled their medical aid in dying prescriptions. Link to the report. According to the report, patients fall into the following underlying diagnoses groups:
- 89 (77%) were due to cancer
- 13 (11%) were due to ALS
- 6 (5%) were due to neurodegenerative diseases
- 8 (7%) were due to other causes
Vermont Medical Society Policy on End-of-Life Care
On November 4, 2017, the Vermont Medical Society adopted a new policy statement on end-of-life care, recognizing Act 39 and medical aid in dying as legitimate options for patients, and respecting the individual choice of doctors to assist patients through the Act 39 process. The full resolution may be found here.
Host an Educational Session in Your Community: PCV board members and volunteers are available to lead educational sessions in Vermont communities. You can take the lead by contacting PCV and requesting a session, which could be held in a local library or community building, a church or synagogue, or at a medical facility. Our colleagues all have personal experience with end-of-life care and decision-making, and will come prepared with materials and knowledge.
Medical Facilities, Nursing Homes, Hospice Organizations: If you are affiliated with a medical facility, a nursing home, or a hospice organization, you may be wondering how similar institutions have adapted their policies to take patients' interest in Act 39 into account. Patient Choices Vermont can help. Please contact us to arrange a meeting with knowledgeable professionals who can help you craft a policy that is consistent with your mission and respects the full range of end-of-life choices now available to Vermonters.
Medical Facilities, Nursing Homes, Hospice Organizations: If you are affiliated with a medical facility, a nursing home, or a hospice organization, you may be wondering how similar institutions have adapted their policies to take patients' interest in Act 39 into account. Patient Choices Vermont can help. Please contact us to arrange a meeting with knowledgeable professionals who can help you craft a policy that is consistent with your mission and respects the full range of end-of-life choices now available to Vermonters.
PCV's Helpline for Vermont Residents: 802-448-0542, or info@patientchoices.org.