Medical Assistance in Dying

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Medical Assistance in Dying

Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) became legal in Canada on June 17, 2016. This means that a competent adult who has a grievous and irremediable medical condition that causes them enduring, intolerable suffering, and who clearly consents to the termination of life, may request MAID from a physician or nurse practitioner in Nova Scotia.

Physicians should familiarize themselves with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia (CPSNS) provincial standard of practice for MAID.

The NSHA provides a comprehensive FAQ about MAID for physicians.

If you receive a MAID request

If one of your patients has requested MAID, contact the NSHA’s Vice President of Medicine at 902-491-5892.

Doctors Nova Scotia also recommends contacting the CMPA (1-800-267-6522 or electronically via the website) and asking to speak to a physician advisor regarding MAID.

Providing MAID can be a rewarding but challenging experience. If you need support, contact the Professional Support Program at 902-468-8215 or 1-855-275-8215, or email professionalsupport@doctorsns.com.

Billing for MAID

The Fee Committee approved permanent codes for medical assistance in dying in June 2018, the billing guidelines were updated July 27, 2018.

  • VIST - 03.03M - First physician assessor: 30 MSU/first 15 minutes, then 15 MSU/15 minutes, to a total of four hours
  • VIST - 03.03M - Second physician assessor: 30 MSU/first 15 minutes, then 15 MSU/15 minutes, to a total of four hours
  • VIST - 03.03N - Prescribing physician: 30 MSU/first 15 minutes, then 15 MSU/15 minutes, to a total of four hours
    • RO=FPHN: 30 MSU/15 minutes, then 15 MSU/15 minutes, to a total of four hours
    • RO=SPHN: 56 MSU

The Fee Committee continues to review travel time compensation.

Contact

Jessica Moore
Compensation manager, Physician Agreement and Fee Schedule
902-225-1533
1-800-563-3427
jessica.moore@doctorsns.com