CPhA Pleased that Role of Pharmacists Recognized in Assisted Dying Legislation

April 14, 2016 (Ottawa): The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) is pleased that the assisted dying legislation introduced today by the federal government appropriately recognizes the role of pharmacists and that specific protections and exemptions are in place.

“The legislation tabled today emphasizes the important role of pharmacists,” said Carlo Berardi, Chair, Canadian Pharmacists Association. “We are pleased that Bill C-14 addresses several of our recommendations, particularly regarding measures to exempt health care professionals, including pharmacists, from criminal liability.”

CPhA has been advocating for the inclusion of provisions to protect pharmacists at every step in the development of legislation, including representations to the External Panel on Options for a Legislative Response to Carter v. Canada, an appearance before the Special Joint Committee on Physician-Assisted Dying, and direct consultations with government.

In February 2016 CPhA released its policy framework on assisted dying, calling on governments to ensure that any legislative and regulatory framework for assisted dying in Canada balances the freedom of conscience for pharmacists and a patient’s right to access.

While CPhA welcomes the provisions that allow for exemption and safeguards to ensure pharmacists have full knowledge of the purpose of any prescription intended for use in assisted dying, the legislation does not set out whether or how health care professionals can refuse a request. This leaves protection of conscience for health care professionals, including pharmacists, up to the provinces and professional regulators.

Though there is nothing in the legislation that would require healthcare professionals to participate in assisted dying, CPhA continues to hold the view that freedom of conscience must be respected, and that pharmacists must not be compelled to participate in assisted dying.

CPhA will continue to work closely with governments in the drafting of regulations and development of clinical practice guidelines that address how medical assisted dying should be administered at the provincial and territorial level.

Related Links

• CPhA Assisted Dying Policy Calls for Balance of Protection of Conscience and Access
• Toward a Framework For Assisted Dying in Canada

About the Canadian Pharmacists Association

The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) is the uniting national voice of pharmacy and the pharmacist profession in Canada. As pharmacists undertake an enhanced role in the delivery of health care services, CPhA ensures that the profession is recognized as a national leader in health care, influencing the policies, programs, budgets and initiatives affecting the profession and the health of Canadians. More information is available at www.pharmacists.ca.

For more information, please contact:

Mark McCondach
Director of Communications
Canadian Pharmacists Association
mmccondach@pharmacists.ca
(613) 523-7877 Ext. 285