A survey conducted among oncology advanced practice providers in Washington State assessed the perspectives of nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) on prescribing medications for medical aid in dying (MAID), including their willingness to prescribe or consult for it and factors influencing their views. The results showed that 50.6% of respondents were willing to participate in MAID as a consulting or prescribing clinician, while 40.3% of the participants were uncertain. Willingness to participate was associated with having more patients pursue MAID and higher knowledge and comfort scores.

The study suggests that oncology NPs and PAs may need preparation for the addition of MAID to their scope of practice, highlighting the need for further research on supporting NPs and PAs who are considering participating in MAID but have questions about their role or physician involvement.

Reference: Singer J, Daum C, Shen MJ, et al. Assessment of Oncology Advanced Practice Professional Willingness to Participate in Medical Aid in Dying. JAMA Netw Open. 2022 Oct 3;5(10):e2239068. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.39068. PMID: 36287559; PMCID: PMC9606841.