Italy's Sardinia region endorses legislation on concluding one's life, making it the second region to do so in the country
Sardinia Establishes Commission for Medical Assistance in Dying
Sardinia, Italy, has enacted a new law for medical assistance in dying, marking a significant step towards end-of-life care options for its residents. The law, which came into force recently, outlines the necessary timelines and organizational modalities for such procedures.
Within 15 days of the law's entry into force, a multidisciplinary commission will be established. This commission, alongside the competent ethics committee, will be responsible for verifying the fulfillment of the requirements for medical assistance in dying. The commission's composition includes various healthcare professionals, such as a palliative care physician, a neurologist, a psychiatrist, an anesthesiologist, a nurse, and a psychologist.
The commission's purpose is straightforward: to verify the requirements for medical assistance in dying. Members of the commission will be chosen on a voluntary basis from regional healthcare service employees or similar entities. Additionally, specialized figures may be added based on the applicant's pathology.
All requested services must be processed within 30 days, ensuring a timely response to those seeking medical assistance in dying. The law follows the principles set by the Constitutional Court's judgment no. 242 of 2019 (Dj Fabo and Marco Cappato case).
This development in Sardinia's healthcare system is a testament to the region's commitment to providing comprehensive and compassionate end-of-life care options. The establishment of the commission is a crucial step towards ensuring that the rights of terminally ill individuals are respected and their dignity preserved.
