MEDICAL AID IN DYING ACT (MAiD)
UNDERSTANDING YOUR OPTIONS
Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) is a legal option in New York State that allows terminally ill adults that meet specific criteria to request medication that they may choose to self-administer to bring about a peaceful death. Participation is entirely voluntary for the patient, as well as for health care agencies and individual staff who may or may not choose to participate in MAiD activities.
While Hudson Valley Hospice does not participate in MAiD activities, we will refer patients to a community agency that can assist them. Hudson Valley Hospice physicians and clinical staff do not participate in MAiD eligibility evaluations, requests, prescribing, or other MAiD activities, but will provide information as noted below.
Hudson Valley Hospice remains committed to supporting patients and families through serious illness and end- of-life care, providing compassionate hospice care and support to all patients and their loved ones regardless of any decisions to pursue MAiD.
WHO MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR MAiD?
Under New York State law, a person may qualify for MAID if they:
- Are 18 years or older
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Are a New York State resdient
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Have a terminal illness that two physicians agree will result in death within six months
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Have the ability to make and communicate informed healthcare decisions, as confirmed by a psychiatrist, neurologist or psychologist
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Are able to self-administer the medication
Eligibility is determined through required medical evaluations by providers who choose to participate in MAiD activities. The process to received the medication can take sever al weeks.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN MAiD
If you would like to learn more about MAiD and are a Hudson Valley Hospice patient, please talk to a member of your team.
We can:
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Provide general information about the New York State MAiD law
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Discuss your goals, concerns and end-of-life wishes
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Explain hospice and palliative care services and symptom management options
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Refer you to community resources, also listed below, that can provide assistance
- Additionally, more information can be found in our MAiD Information Guide
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Hospice care focuses on comfort, symptom management, quality of life and support for patients and families during an end of life regardless of whether they choose to pursue MAiD.
MAiD is a separate legal process governed by New York State law that allows a terminally ill patient to request medication that they may choose to self-administer to bring about a peaceful death. There are multiple steps involved to access MAiD, including medical evaluations by two physicians and a mental health evaluation completed by a psychologist or psychiatrist.
MAiD is not the same as euthanasia, which involves another person intentionally ending a patient’s life with or without their consent. In MAiD, the patient chooses whether and when to take medication that has been prescribed through the legal process. The medication must be self-administered by the patient.
Hudson Valley Hospice cannot pay for MAiD activities, including MAiD required physician evaluations (or transport to those evaluations) and MAiD medications. Medicare and Medicaid and most insurances will not pay for MAiD activities. MAiD costs will be an out-of-pocket cost.
MAiD INFORMATION & ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The best resource for questions or concerns regarding MAiD is your community primary care physician or nurse practitioner. The organizations below can also provide more information, including finding physicians and pharmacies who offer MAiD services:
End of Life Choices New York:
Compassion & Choices
Academy of Aid in Dying