Canberra:

Following ratification by the federal parliament, the Australian Capital Territory became the newest territory in the country to authorize assisted suicide. The rule will apply to anybody over the age of 18 who has a terminal illness, has resided in the ACT in the previous year, or has ties to the region.

The patient's will and decision-making skills are also required for the operation. The procedure begins with a review by a pair of medical professionals who have no interest in the patient's death yet are legally permitted to make that choice.

Patients and healthcare providers should discuss the patient's wishes for palliative care and alternative treatment choices. Because there aren't many physicians or nurses in the area, nurse practitioners will have more leeway to make their own medical judgments than in other areas.

Individuals and organizations that are unable or unwilling to support assisted suicide should adhere to a basic level of behavior. They must provide written information for a care navigator service within two days to assure admittance to faith-based residential institutions.

A responsible person must also be allowed to assist with voluntarily assisted dying or transfer the patient to a suitable and safe treatment facility. Unauthorized treatment, persuading someone to withdraw a request, and persuading someone to take the medicine will all be criminal, as will murder, manslaughter, and aided suicide.

The idea is anticipated to be ratified by the ACT's Labor-Greens unicameral majority early next year; if passed, the law would take 18 months to take effect before being revisited again in three years. Until this year, the ACT and the Northern Territory were barred from implementing euthanasia legislation under federal law.