LICIA BERRY-BERARD, MSW, LICSW
Vermont’s Medical Aid In Dying (MAID) Requirements:​
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Under Vermont’s Medical Aid in Dying law, both residents and non-residents may request, receive, and self-administer a prescription that will bring about their death peacefully.
The law requires several steps (All steps must occur within Vermont, and both physicians must be licensed in Vermont):
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Two verbal requests to a Vermont-licensed prescribing physician, at least 15 days apart
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One written request
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A consulting physician visit for confirmation
To qualify, a person must:
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Have a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less
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Be mentally competent and able to make informed, voluntary healthcare decisions
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Be 18 years or older
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Be able to self-ingest the prescribed medication
There are many steps involved in accessing and completing the Medical Aid in Dying Process.
* Understanding the law and eligibility requirements
* Finding Vermont-licensed physicians and caregivers
* Scheduling and organizing medical appointments
* Managing medical records and paperwork
* Coordinating hospice enrollment and transferring care (for out-of-state clients)
* Planning for travel, lodging, and the ingestion day
* Working with pharmacists to obtain the prescription
* Managing the details of ingestion (mixing the medication, giving it to a loved one, being present throughout the dying process)
* Arranging after-death care
* Following the requirements of the law
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Medical Aid in Dying Resources
VT Law on Patient Choices at the End of Life
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Definition and legal information about medical aid in dying in VT.
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Patient Choices Vermont (PCV) provides education about Medical Aid in Dying and end-of-life choice in Vermont. PCV Serves a Vital Role as the Key Resource for Medical Aid in Dying in Vermont.​​
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Vermont Ethics Network works to increase awareness of ethical issues, values and choices in health and health care. Offering information on advanced directives, medical decision making, medical ethics, palliative care and end of life care.
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Public health policy and advocacy site. More details about patient choice and control at end of life.
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Advocate for the fundamental freedom of choice in end-of-life options for all.​​
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