Death with Dignity is legal in 7 states and the District of Columbia. At least 8 other states have legislation under review, including Massachusetts, where I live.

So I decided to speak with some practitioners who have experience with patients requesting medically assisted death. This interview is the firs of three with healthcare providers from the University of Colorado Hospital’s Cancer Center.

Today I talk with Joan Hart, the social worker from the team. She provides insight regarding:

• medical aid in dying (MAID) in Colorado
• who is a qualified terminally ill adult
• why some patients choose this option
• the impact this decision can have on providers