Notice of Annual General Meeting
April 20, 2023
Health can’t wait
May 10, 2023
The Australian Medical Association (NSW) is calling on the Commonwealth Government to remove the exclusion of telemedicine and other online channels in relation to Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD).
The Criminal Code Act, sections 474.29A and 474.29B; prohibit the use of a carriage service to discuss or send ‘suicide-related’ materials. This has been interpreted to impact on discussions relating to voluntary assisted dying and potentially even aspects such as the provision of medication, the undertaking of online training and the distribution of information to patients and doctors.
Dr Michael Bonning, AMA NSW President said “Telehealth is an accepted part of healthcare delivery, particularly after a pandemic that saw a rise in telehealth uptake. The decision regarding whether telehealth is an appropriate form of consultation is a matter for the treating doctor and patient to discuss. The doctor is subject to the same level of regulation and accountability for that service as would apply in other settings.” Dr Bonning said. The removal of the prohibition would still allow for States and regulators to develop appropriate guidelines, as would occur with other clinical practices.
Dr Bonning said the experience in other states who have already implemented voluntary assisted dying suggested that access for patients in rural and regional communities was a significant issue. Dr Bonning said a central premise of all health systems should be to prioritise equitable access to health services.
AMA NSW calls upon the meeting of Attorneys General scheduled for Friday 28 April to agree to amend the Criminal Code Act.
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