The RCN maintains our neutral position on whether the law on assisted dying should be changed. However, as the Bill includes a key role for registered nurses, we have a responsibility to work to influence the proposed legislation so that, if it does become law, it includes adequate safeguards.
MSPs voted in favour of the general principle of the bill (Stage 1) in May. Stage 2 of the process allows MSPs to propose changes to the bill. The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee began the process of reviewing these amendments today.
There have been almost 300 amendments proposed to the Bill at Stage 2. A number of these amendments have been lodged on behalf of RCN Scotland as we look to improve the safeguards and protections for nursing staff, some have been developed in collaboration with stakeholders including the BMA and the Royal College of General Practitioners Scotland. We have also successfully influenced amendments submitted by the Bill’s proposer Liam MacArthur MSP.
We have reviewed all the proposed amendments to the Bill and briefed key MSPs and the members of the Heath, Social Care and Sport Committee on our positions. Given the number of amendments, it is anticipated that the Committee will take a number of meetings to discuss and vote on all of these.
Colin Poolman, Executive Director, RCN Scotland said: “We maintain our neutral position on whether the law on assisted dying should be changed. However, as the Bill includes a key role for registered nurses, we have a responsibility to work to influence the proposed legislation so that, if it does become law, it includes the necessary safeguards to protect nurses and nursing practice.
“Members of the committee must ensure that the Bill that progresses to Stage 3 contains adequate protections for patients and staff. This must include both nurses who may wish to participate in assisting a death under the framework established by the Bill, and those who do not want to participate.”
The Bill as amended will be published following the Stage 2 proceedings. We will review the Bill and our positions again at this point ahead of the Stage 3 debate. We will be urging the Parliament to allow adequate time to scrutinise changes made at Stage 2 and for considering Stage 3 amendments ahead of the final debate.
