Nurses in Nova Scotia advised not to participate in assisted suicide

Nurses in Nova Scotia are being told not to participate in any conversations about assisted suicide.

There's a lack of clarity about how the Supreme Court of Canada ruling on the issue affects nurses, says Sue Smith, CEO and registrar of the College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia. The ruling provides direction for doctors, but Smith says there is a risk of criminal prosecution for nurses in the absence of legislation.

"If a patient [said] they would like to talk about [assisted death], we would immediately refer them to their physician and we would make note of it on their chart," she said.

No guarantees from justice officials

On Monday, Nova Scotia's colleges of registered nurses, pharmacists and physicians and surgeons called for a guarantee from the province's chiefs of police and Public Prosecution Service that health care professionals participating in medically assisted death would be protected from prosecution.

So far, however, they've received no guarantees.

Justice Minister and Attorney General Diana Whalen has given no direction on the matter, a department spokeswoman told CBC. A Public Prosecution Service spokeswoman, meanwhile, said they are still reviewing the situation.

"It's a very complex issue and it's going to require a lot of thought and consultation," said Chris Hansen.

"What the Public Prosecution Service is doing at the moment is consulting with our justice partners and stakeholders."

People can still access the service

That means there are no guarantees a nurse or pharmacist would not be charged for participating in medically assisted death, said Hansen.

Smith said she is optimistic the nurses' college will hear soon from justice officials, and she noted that other provinces have found a way to make things work.

In the meantime, she said, people can still access medically assisted death.

Doctors well-qualified

While Smith is concerned that process doesn't include "the full medical and nursing team," she said doctors are well-qualified to deal with the process.

"Until we have the legislation or other safeguards in there, the key message for Nova Scotians is there is still access for them to medical assistance in dying."

Nurses continue to be actively involved in end-of-life care and palliative care, said Smith, but they aren't taking any risks when it comes to cases of assisted suicide.