‘Historic milestone’ as SA's voluntary assisted dying laws come into effect in SA

After 16 previous attempts spanning 27 years, voluntary assisted dying laws finally become available to eligible patients in SA today.

Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) laws have now come into effect in SA, marking a historic milestone for the state.

South Australians can now make a first request for VAD — and officials expect about 140 people to take advantage of the new law this year.

So far at least 42 doctors have registered to participate and the government is encouraging more to join.

Care navigators and liaison nurses are employed and mandatory training has been provided for doctors who have registered to conduct assessments for eligibility.

The training includes a competency assessment as well as information about the eligibility criteria and identifying risk factors for abuse or coercion.

An interim nursing director will oversee a staff of four care navigators who are nursing and allied health professionals with experience in complex and end of life care.

They will manage queries, facilitate connections between services and support referrals to participating doctors.

In addition, a liaison nurse has been appointed in each of the three adult metropolitan local health networks and another nurse recruited for regional South Australia.

Access to VAD will include an assessment of eligibility with both a trained co-ordinating doctor and a second independently trained consulting practitioner.

A patient will be required to make three separate requests for VAD including a written and witnessed request.

A final review is then required before applying for the permit.

Once granted, the patient will be able to obtain medication for self-administration, or in certain cases administration via a doctor.

Health Minister Chris Picton. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

Attorney-General Kyam Maher Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

Earlier this month, Health and Wellbeing Minister Chris Picton said the “massive reform” has required careful and methodical work through all the legal, training, technology and health service requirements.

“It is welcome news that we have been able to recruit dedicated and committed staff to be care navigators, liaison nurses and pharmacists – as well as have dozens of doctors so far sign up for the necessary training, with more to follow,” he said at the time.

“I want to thank everyone who has been involved in the implementation over the past year. Over the course of the next few weeks we will be conducting more public communications so clinicians and the public are aware of how the system will work.”

Attorney-General Kyam Maher said the legislation allows South Australians with terminal illnesses to have the choice of dying with dignity.

“VAD will finally be an option in South Australia after 16 previous attempts spanning 27 years to pass legislation,” he said.

“This will be a historic and significant milestone that will benefit many South Australians and their families.

“It means a South Australian who has a terminal illness and is intolerable pain can choose to legally with compassion and with dignity end their life. It brings us into line with every other state in Australia.”

The government has committed more than $18m over five years to support safe access to voluntary assisted dying.

The voluntary assisted dying pathway

1. Make a first request for voluntary assisted dying

2. Doctor completes a first assessment

3. A consulting doctor completes a second assessment

4. Complete a written declaration to access voluntary assisted dying

5. Make a final request for voluntary assisted dying

6. Choose a Contact Person

7. Doctor completes a final review

8. Doctor prescribes medication once permit approved

9. Arrange supply of medication with pharmacist

10. Decide to administer medication

11. Death certification