Which statement is true about the practical nurse's role in MAID?

Which statement is true about the practical nurse's role in MAID?

• A. The PN may administer MAID medication under physician order.
• B. Only the physician or nurse practitioner can authorize MAID; the PN's role is limited to invasive access.
• C. The PN can provide bereavement care to the family after MAID.
• D. The PN can lead post-mortem care.

Answer: (B)

In MAID, the authority to assess eligibility and formally authorize the procedure rests with a physician or a nurse practitioner. A practical nurse does not have that authorization role. The PN’s function is to support the patient and family within the care plan, and, if required by the care team, assist with tasks that involve patient access or procedural setup—but not to make the decision to proceed. That is why the statement emphasizing that only a physician or NP can authorize MAID, with the PN’s role limited to invasive access, best captures the legal and professional boundaries in this context. The other options imply actions (like administering the lethal medication or leading post-mortem duties) that are not within the PN's authorized responsibilities for MAID.

In MAID, the authority to assess eligibility and formally authorize the procedure rests with a physician or a nurse practitioner. A practical nurse does not have that authorization role. The PN’s function is to support the patient and family within the care plan, and, if required by the care team, assist with tasks that involve patient access or procedural setup—but not to make the decision to proceed. That is why the statement emphasizing that only a physician or NP can authorize MAID, with the PN’s role limited to invasive access, best captures the legal and professional boundaries in this context. The other options imply actions (like administering the lethal medication or leading post-mortem duties) that are not within the PN's authorized responsibilities for MAID.