Where social workers are supporting MAID-related care and are asked to discuss the role of family or friends, they should explore the client’s preferences, explain potential benefits and risks of disclosure or non-disclosure, and document relevant discussions. Social workers must respect the client’s expressed wishes, privacy, and confidentiality, subject to applicable legal and professional requirements.
If the Safeguards for Last Resort Termination of Life Act is proclaimed as proposed, social workers should also be aware that the legislation would require the presence of a family member during the provision of MAID unless the practitioner providing MAID determines that a family member is not reasonably available. In some circumstances, a client’s wish not to involve family members may therefore raise practical, ethical, and legal considerations that fall within the responsibilities of the MAID provider.
Social workers should avoid making determinations regarding the application of this requirement. Instead, they may support clients in understanding the potential implications of their choices, facilitate communication where appropriate and desired by the client, and assist clients in accessing further information from the assessing or providing practitioner. Where tensions arise between a client’s wishes, family involvement, and legal requirements, social workers should seek consultation and document relevant discussions and decisions.