PHARMACISTS will be included as part of an expert clinical panel to determine medication protocols for voluntary assisted dying (VAD) in Western Australia, Minister for Environment and Disability Services, Stephen Dawson, revealed.
Responding to questions about what medications and doses would be used for VAD in WA under legislation currently under review in the State Parliament, and how it would compare with the protocols in place in Victoria, Dawson said he had been advised not to comment on the Victorian model.
"In WA, the choice of lethal medication for a particular patient will be a clinical decision made by the coordinating practitioner from an approved list of schedule 4 (S4)and 8 poisons only."
It is a matter for the patient's coordinating practitioner.
A fully qualified medical practitioner with additional training on voluntary assisted dying will determine what dosage and formulation they consider appropriate to make up the voluntary assisted dying substance.
"It is intended that as part of the implementation of the bill a clinical panel be convened to determine the S4 and S8 medication protocols suitable for voluntary assisted dying in WA.
"The clinical panel will also inform the operational requirements for supply, dispensing and ensuring safe management of these medications.
"Further, it is expected that this clinical panel will include appropriate representation from pharmacy, medical and nursing experts from a health and clinical perspective."
Dawson flagged the establishment of a statewide pharmacy, operational procedures around care navigators and medical protocols, alongside a VAD Board.
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