Alberta approves rules, clears path for physician-assisted dying

Alberta has approved final regulations that clear theway for physician-assisted death.

Associate health minister Brandy Payne says it's important togive Albertans reassurance that their needs will be met while thefederal government finalizes its legislation.

• MS sufferer wants to schedule her own death
• Calgary woman dies after being granted right to physician-assisted suicide

She says there are sufficient safeguards for physicians who don'twant to perform the procedure, while making sure that patients getthe support they need.

The rules mandate that anyone who wants medical assistance indying must be at least 18 and have a "grievous and irremediablemedical condition."

They must be mentally capable of making a decision on their ownhealth, make a voluntary request for the assistance and giveinformed consent to have it carried out.

Any doctor who is asked by a patient to assist in their death maydecline on reasons of religion or conscience, but must ensure thepatient has access to others who can carry out the request.