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Implementing the End of Life Choice Act
The Ministry of Health was responsible for implementing the End of Life Choice Act 2019, which included setting up the service.
In the 12 months before November 2021 we:
- made sure medical and nurse practitioners were trained and available
- made sure the health workforce was aware of the Act, their obligations, and the right to conscientious objection
- established the statutory roles of the Support and Consultation for End of Life in New Zealand (SCENZ) Group, the End of Life Review Committee and the Registrar (Assisted Dying)
- established administrative systems, regulations, and professional guidance and information
- developed information about the Assisted Dying Service for the public and health practitioners.
We also engaged with:
- the disability sector
- Māori-led primary health organisations
- Pacific primary health organisations
- professional colleges, councils and unions
- other health organisations.
Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora is now responsible for the operation of the Assisted Dying Service.
Assisted Dying Service – Health New Zealand
Proactive release of Cabinet papers and minutes
The Ministry has proactively released Cabinet papers, minutes and other Ministerial documents relating to the implementation of the End of Life Choice Act.
End of Life Choice Act implementation Cabinet papers and minutes
Assisted Dying Service implementation review
Read the Assisted Dying Service implementation review.
Embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi into assisted dying services
The Ministry of Health is committed to making sure the Assisted Dying Service provides services for Māori that are:
- equitable
- effective
- culturally and clinically safe.
We used the Te Tiriti principles set out in the Ministry’s Whakamaua: Māori Health Action Plan 2020–2025 to guide the implementation of the End of Life Choice Act.
Whakamaua: Māori Health Action Plan 2020–2025
During implementation, we:
- engaged with Māori health and disability organisations and service providers
- incorporated Te Tiriti principles into service design
- established formal partnerships and governance arrangements to provide guidance and direction.
Governance and Māori representation
Formal partnerships and governance arrangements include Māori representation on the SCENZ Group and End of Life Review Committee.
Te Apārangi: Māori Partnership Alliance were consulted and provided advice on a wide range of matters during implementation and over the first year of service delivery.
Engaging with Māori during implementation
Engagement with Māori during the implementation of the Act aimed to support Māori in their aspirations by recognising mana motuhake (self-determination).
The purpose of the engagement was to:
- inform the sector about the End of Life Choice Act
- invite the sector to shape the design of the Assisted Dying Service.
Feedback from our engagement with Māori helped inform:
- care pathways
- training and guidance for health professionals
- clinical guideline and the standard of care
- funding for service providers (a Section 88 notice under the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act 2000)
- public information about the service.
