However, this request can only be considered by practitioners who have undertaken specialist VAD training.
The patient must first request to end their life to a doctor, which can be their usual GP.
The legislation also states an applicant is not eligible for VAD just because they have a disability, dementia or mental health impairment. They also must have decision-making capacity, the ability to choose to end their own life without coercion, and have an ongoing request to end their own life. They also must have lived in NSW for at least 12 months, unless an exception is granted. The applicant must be at least 18 years old and either an Australia citizen, permanent resident or a resident of Australia for at least three years before making the first request. People with an advanced and progressive disease, illness, or medical condition that is expected to cause their death within six months (or 12 months for neurodegenerative diseases like motor neurone disease) can only access VAD if they meet all of the eligibility criteria.
Legislation paving the way for NSW to become the last state in the country to introduce voluntary assisted dying (VAD) was passed last year. Terminally ill people in New South Wales will be able to make a request to end their own lives from tomorrow.
