Terminally ill Victorians who want access to the state's controversial assisted dying scheme "will not be abandoned" by palliative care experts, Australia's peak body for the sector says.
Less than three weeks from the start of the state's assisted dying scheme, Palliative Care Australia has published advice to help health professionals navigate the legislation.
"While the practice of palliative care does not include voluntary assisted dying - as palliative care doesn't hasten or postpone a person's death - people exploring voluntary assisted dying options must be able to continue to receive palliative care," the organisation's chief executive Rohan Greenland said on Monday.
From June 19, Victorian adults with an incurable and advanced terminal illness and less than six months to live - or 12 months for those with neurodegenerative conditions - will be able to access the scheme.
They must also be of sound mind with decision-making capacity, make three clear requests to die and undergo two independent medical assessments. The request can only be initiated by the patients themselves.
Palliative Care Australia says its advice aims to ensure appropriate care for terminally-ill patients.
One of the seven principles says "people exploring voluntary assisted dying will not be abandoned".
The others focus on the need to support patients regardless of their decision, and respect other health professionals who may have differing views on assisted dying.
PALLIATIVE CARE AUSTRALIA PRINCIPLES:
* Voluntary assisted dying patients will not be abandoned
* Patients will be supported and respected
* Workers in the sector will be respected regardless of their views
* Communication remains at the heart of quality care
* Ongoing professional development, skill and confidence is paramount
* Self-care is a shared responsibility between individuals, colleagues and organisations
* Continue to learn from evidence to improve voluntary assisted dying.
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