It’s a challenging question. What are the obligations of an aged care home to support the new VAD laws?
While aged care providers cannot be directly involved in the process through which a resident may access VAD, they do need to have processes in place that support their registered health practitioners (such as nurses) who can be.
The law firm has created a simple video to help operators understand the new laws, which came into effect last month.
Lawyer Felicity Iredale warns that while many aged care or retirement village residents may not be eligible to access VAD (given that it only applies those with a terminal illness), they may still be approached for information or have residents that wish to access the scheme.
It is important that providers determine their “organisational position” on the VAD legislation and engage in staff training outlining how to respond to residents’ requests for information or assistance.
You can watch the full video and find out more information HERE.
