Assisted dying is a sensitive topic and may be difficult for some people. If reading this information raises distressing feelings for you, there is support available.

You can call or text 1737 for free to speak to a trained counsellor at any time.

The formal assessment process

The law sets out a formal assessment process for accessing assisted dying. These steps are important to keep the person safe. The steps have to happen in a certain order, and specific forms must be filled out at each step to record the process. 

Each step may be made up of more than one appointment. The doctor involved at each step can visit the person if needed, such as if they are not well enough to travel. Telehealth appointments (such as by phone or video call) may be possible for some of these steps.

Application

The person must make a formal request to their attending medical practitioner. As part of this conversation the attending medical practitioner will talk to the person about their other options for end of life care, and also explain that the person can change their mind about assisted dying at any time. 

The attending medical practitioner will encourage the person to talk about their choice with their whānau. The attending medical practitioner will also talk to other health professionals who care for the person, and the person’s whānau (if the person consents to this) to make sure the person is not being pressured into choosing assisted dying. 

If the person wants to proceed, they will sign a form. The person can ask someone to sign on their behalf if they are unable to write or sign the form. The person must be present when the form is signed.

First assessment 

The person will be assessed by their attending medical practitioner to make sure they meet the eligibility criteria. This includes checking if the person is competent to make an informed decision and that they are making this choice without pressure from someone else. 

If the person is not eligible, the attending medical practitioner will explain the reasons, and then make sure the person is supported and has access to other end of life care.

Independent assessment

If the attending medical practitioner assesses that the person is eligible, they will then see an independent medical practitioner for the second assessment. This is an important safeguard to make sure a person is clearly eligible for assisted dying. 

This assessment also includes checking whether the person is competent to make an informed decision and that they are making the choice without pressure from someone else.

Competency assessment (if required) 

In some situations, a person will also be seen by a psychiatrist. This will happen if the attending medical practitioner and the independent medical practitioner both think the person is eligible, but one or both of them have concerns about whether the person is competent to make an informed decision. 

The psychiatrist will assess the person to make sure they are competent. They will also check if the person is making the choice without pressure from someone else. The psychiatrist will not check the other eligibility criteria.

Decision on eligibility 

The person’s attending medical practitioner will talk to the person about the outcome of the second assessment and the competency assessment, if required. 

If the person is eligible for assisted dying, they can start making plans for their assisted death, including deciding the date and time, and preferred place. 

If the person is not eligible for assisted dying, their attending medical practitioner will explain the reasons, and then make sure the person is supported and has access to other end of life care options.