Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) Policy

Policy Summary

This policy set out how Adria Village Ltd will act to deliver a complaint response to Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) in the ACT which commenced on 3 November 2025.

Adria Village Ltd provides support to access information about VAD services and to assist with meeting the rights of the individual to access VAD services from an authorised VAD practitioner. Adria Village Ltd does not provide VAD services on site as a part of the provision of residential care or retirement living.

Adria Village Ltd will maintain information on VAD services and will make this available upon request. Residents who choose to access VAD Services will be required to cover all cost associated with the service. VAD is not covered under Medicare or Private Health Insurance.

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

• Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2024
• Voluntary Assisted Dying Regulations 2025
• ACT Voluntary Assisted Dying Clinical Guidelines
• ACT Health and Community Services voluntary assisted dying website
• Adria Village Ltd privacy policy

Applicability

The Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2024 applies to all ACT based health and care providers.

This policy will apply from 3 November 2025 and will be reviewed within 12 weeks of implementation and then annually from the implementation date.

Introduction to Voluntary Assisted Dying

The Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2024 allows eligible individuals to choose assisted dying as an end-of-life from 3 November 2025.

VAD is one of the choices available to eligible people who are approaching the end of their life. It is available alongside end of life and palliative care.

A person’s decision to seek information about, or access to, voluntary assisted dying will not impact their access to high-quality care.

Eligibility Criteria for Voluntary Assisted Dying

To access voluntary assisted dying, individuals must meet specific eligibility requirements.

• Must be 18 years or older and a resident of the ACT for the last 12 months.
• Must have an advanced medical condition causing intolerable suffering and retain decision-making capacity.
• Voluntary decision-making without coercion is essential.

Overview of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Process

The process consists of 10 steps, allowing individuals to withdraw at any time while ensuring safeguards are in place. The diagram below sets out the 10 steps (source: ACT Voluntary Assisted Dying Health and Care Facility Guidance, Sep 2025).

• The process is designed to minimise undue burden while protecting individuals and practitioners.
• Key steps include requests, assessments, and final decisions.

Health and Care Facility Operators’ Obligations

Adria Village Ltd must comply with the Act and facilitate access to information and services related to voluntary assisted dying. Adria Village Ltd will however not seek to provide voluntary assisted dying itself but will not stop a resident from accessing voluntary assisted dying information or services.

• Adria Village Ltd will provide contact details for the VAD CNS within 2 business days.
• Adria Village Ltd will maintain policies that are compliant with the Act and will ensure they are accessible.

Conscientious Objection by Health Practitioners

The law allows for a health practitioner or health service provider being a conscientious objection to voluntary assisted dying. This means they can refuse to take part in providing voluntary assisted dying services due to their personal beliefs, values, or moral concerns.

Under the Act, a health practitioner or health service provider who has a conscientious objection to voluntary assisted dying does not have to be involved in any part of the voluntary assisted dying process. But they must not stop a person from accessing information about, or accessing, voluntary assisted dying.

If anyone at Adria Village Ltd or a health practitioner with a conscientious objection is asked by a person for information about, or access to, voluntary assisted dying, they must give them the contact details of the VAD CNS, in writing and within 2 business days. They should also help the person to contact this service. This may be helping them use a phone, send an email or use another communication aid like a support person or an interpreter.

Whilst Adria Village Ltd will not directly be providing access to voluntary assisted dying in whole or part Adria Village Ltd must:

• allow reasonable access to a ‘relevant person’ to visit a resident to give them information about or access to voluntary assisted dying,
• facilitate a transfer of a resident to and from another place if a ‘relevant person’ is unable to access the resident at the facility,
• take further steps to facilitate access to a ‘relevant person’ within the facility if a deciding practitioner decides that a transfer is unreasonable.

Safeguards for Vulnerable Individuals

Adria Village Ltd will ensure that all safeguards required under the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2024 (ACT) are upheld to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation, undue influence, or coercion. Safeguards include:

• Independent assessments by authorised VAD practitioners.
• Strict eligibility criteria applied consistently.
• Oversight by the ACT VAD Oversight Board.
• Documentation of consent, decisions, and interactions to maintain transparency.

Facility Obligations

• Maintain a written VAD policy accessible to residents, staff, and visitors.
• Provide contact details for the VAD CNS within 2 business days upon request.
• Support residents in contacting the VAD CNS using necessary communication aids.
• Facilitate reasonable access or transfer to relevant persons.
• Ensure continuity of usual care.

Privacy and Confidentiality Measures

Maintaining privacy and confidentiality for residents seeking voluntary assisted dying is crucial.

• Due to the sensitive nature of VAD, It is against the law to use or share information obtained while supporting or participating in the ACT voluntary assisted dying scheme, including information about a person accessing voluntary assisted dying, or the health practitioners involved in the voluntary assisted dying process.

Adria Village Ltd will:

• Protect residents’ privacy and confidentiality at all times.
• Provide safe and private spaces for conversations about VAD to occur.
• Securely store all VAD-related documentation in compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and Adria’s Privacy Policy.

Access for Relevant Persons

Adria Village Ltd will:

• Allow reasonable access for authorised practitioners and relevant persons to meet with residents.
• Ensure resident consent before allowing access.
• Arrange suitable times for privacy, dignity, and minimal disruption.

Relevant persons include:

• Authorised VAD practitioners,
• VAD Care Navigator or Pharmacy Service staff,
• Witnesses, agents, or contact persons,
• Interpreters or translators.

Transfer Procedures for Residents

If a relevant person cannot attend the facility:

1. The resident (or their representative) will be asked whether they wish to be transferred to meet that person.
2. The resident’s VAD practitioner or treating doctor will determine if the transfer is reasonable.
3. If reasonable, Adria Village Ltd must:
   1. Confirm the resident’s consent;
   2. Arrange the transfer as soon as practicable; and
   3. Ensure safe return following the meeting.
4. If Adria Village Ltd cannot arrange a transfer:
   1. The facility must notify the ACT Voluntary Assisted Dying Oversight Board in writing, stating reasons and steps taken to facilitate the transfer.

Managing and Storing the Voluntary Assisted Dying Substance

Adria Village Ltd does not provide VAD services on site as a part of the provision of residential care or retirement living. If however, Adria Village Ltd does have a resident who wishes to participate in VAD Adria Village Ltd will facilitate all necessary transfers for treatment. Any Substances required to be administered will not be stored onsite at Adria Village Ltd but instead be available through the VAD Pharmacy Service (VAD PS) offsite from Adria Care.

Although Adria Village Ltd does not store or handle VAD substances directly. Adria Village Ltd has updated medication management policies in place that acknowledge their existence.

Supporting Services for Voluntary Assisted Dying

Various services are available to assist individuals and healthcare providers regarding voluntary assisted dying.

• The ACT Voluntary Assisted Dying Care Navigator Service provides information and support.
• The ACT Voluntary Assisted Dying Pharmacy Service ensures safe access to the approved substance.
• The ACT Voluntary Assisted Dying Oversight Board monitors compliance and suggests improvements.

Complaints and Feedback Mechanisms

There are established channels for lodging complaints regarding voluntary assisted dying services.

• Complaints can be made to the ACT Human Rights Commission regarding Adria Village Ltd or practitioners.
• Feedback about Canberra Health Services staff can be submitted through an online form or phone.
• Complaints about voluntary assisted dying can also be directed to the Oversight Board.

Debriefing, Support, and Bereavement Resources

Support services are available for families and healthcare workers involved in the process.

• Family members shall be linked with bereavement support services.
• Adria Village Ltd staff will be encouraged to access the Employee Assistance Program for support.

Complaints and Feedback

• ACT Human Rights Commission: facility or practitioner concerns.
• ACT Health Services Feedback Line: external provider issues.
• VAD Oversight Board: process or access concerns.

Policy Accessibility

• Displayed on the facility website and “Centro-assist” policy application site.
• A Hard copy will be available upon request.
• Summarised Quick Reference Guide posted at the quality board and nurse stations.

Continuous Review

• Reviewed annually or sooner if legislative changes occur.
• Responsible Officer: General Manager – Clinical Care

Contact Information

ACT Government contacts for Voluntary Assisted Dying
Email: VAD.carenavigators@act.gov.au
Phone: 5124 1888

VAD Care Navigator Service: VAD.CareNavigators@act.gov.au | (02) 5124 1888
VAD Oversight Board: VADOversightBoard@act.gov.au

Document Control

Version Date Author
1.0 31/10/2025 GM Clinical Care – CEO Board & CEO Initial implementation