Hanover and District Hospital will offer medical assistance in dying.
The Board of Governors voted Tuesday night to accept responsibility for the service.
The act became law on June 17, and extended criminal law protection to health care providers involved in the lawful provision of medical assistance in dying. The act is extremely strict for eligibility, and includes safeguards to vulnerable patients.
The Hanover board held a number of engagement session with staff, physicians, clergy and the public before voting to take on the service.
The board also recognizes that staff and physicians are not obligated to provide medical assistance in dying. Participation will be a personal decision for patients and health care providers.
The criteria and process will be outlined in a board policy that is currently being drafted.
