A public consultation has been launched into the proposed details of how Jersey’s Assisted Dying Service will operate.
Islanders will have the opportunity to give their views on the new service, which is scheduled to commence in late 2027.
The introduction of a right for people to choose to end their lives, within specific guidelines, was backed across a series of votes in the States Assembly, the most recent being in February of this year. In July the legislation passed the final hurdle as Royal Assent was granted.
The three-month consultation has been launched by the Jersey Care Commission, which is responsible for the independent regulation of the Jersey Assisted Dying Service, including standards, registration of service providers, annual inspections and regulatory oversight.
Commission Chair Nigel Acheson said the proposed standards had been developed in conjunction with international regulators, experts and academics, drawing on learning from established approaches to regulation and oversight.
“Modern independent regulation plays a crucial role in providing assurance about the quality and safety of care and in supporting public confidence,” he said. “Clear regulatory standards are an incredibly important part of that, helping people understand what they should expect from services and providers understand what good care should look like.
“Listening to Islanders, care providers and others with an interest is vital in helping inform our work – this consultation provides a really important opportunity for people to review the proposed standards and share their views with us, and what we hear will be incredibly valuable in helping us shape the final standards.”
The continued progress in Jersey comes in contrast to the position in England and Wales, with the House of Commons rejecting a proposed law last week. The vote by MPs came ten months after a previous bill had been supported, only to be shelved after parliamentary time ran out in the face of a protracted debate in the House of Lords.
Jersey’s proposed standards, the consultation survey and frequently asked questions are available at carecommission.je – the closing date is Friday 18 December.
