Fifth is equitable access to psychological supports for health care providers. The current health care context brings pressures and stresses for health care providers. We recommend educational support on physician-assisted death as part of provider curricula. We also recommend competency development within continuing professional education, as well as access to psychological support.
Finally, there's the protection of nurses and other health care providers under the Criminal Code. Nurses are intimately involved in end-of-life processes. The nurse may well be the first person with whom a patient chooses to discuss end-of-life care and options. We recommend amendments to the Criminal Code. This position has been well described by the Canadian Nurses Protective Society in the brief they submitted to the external panel. We also recommend guidance on conscientious objection.
Thank you very much for the opportunity to present to you today.