The Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2017 (Vic) (Act) commences in Victoria on 19 June 2019. The Act will allow Victorians at the end of life who are suffering and who meet strict eligibility criteria to request access to voluntary assisted dying (VAD).

As only medical practitioners can authorise access to VAD, aged care providers will not generally have any direct role to play in VAD. However, as many aged care recipients are at end of life, it is likely that some may seek to access VAD within the context of the aged care environment, whether in home care or residential care. Providers should be prepared to deal with requests from care recipients in relation to VAD.

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Voluntary assisted dying – considerations for Victorian aged care providers