Agreement and Guidelines for a Safe and Peaceful MAID Process + Payment

$300.00

The Comfort Project                  

 Navigating Medical Aid in Dying in Vermont (MAID)

Thank you for contacting our team for assistance. It is a privilege to support you through the process. This agreement provides important information to you as a non-resident of Vermont, to ensure a smooth, peaceful process navigating Vermont’s MAID (Act 39).  This agreement outlines how we can help you and what we need from you to provide effective support. 

Our Team
Our Comfort Project team in Southern Vermont has extensive professional experience in end-of-life care. We provide practical information and guidance based on our experience helping others through the MAID process.  We have been assisting people from out-of-state since the law was passed in May 2023.

What We Offer

  • We clarify complex information about MAID eligibility requirements, as well as what is needed to successfully complete the process.          

  • We help you coordinate with your medical team in Vermont: doctors, hospice and pharmacist, all separate and independent entities.        

  • We assist in identifying appropriate local lodging during your visits to Vermont for doctors’ appointments. We find you a safe location for ingestion.

  • We provide information to help you coordinate funeral arrangements. 

  • The essence of our support is to guide you through the steps prior to and up to the day of ingestion. We meet with you and your family/friends the day before ingestion to review the standard Vermont Medication Instructions; together we create a plan for ingestion day.

  • On the day of ingestion, two members of our team are present: we provide compassionate, practical care; at the family’s request, we mix the medication and monitor ingestion; after death we notify hospice and the funeral home.   

  • We remain present with family/friends until the process is complete.                                                                                                                                             

What We Need From You
A peaceful and smooth MAID experience depends on thoughtful preparation and collaboration. By signing this agreement, you acknowledge that you and your caregivers will be responsible for completing the necessary tasks described below. 

  • Provide us with contact information: yours and your caregivers. 

  • Designate a point person to coordinate with our team as needed.

  • Provide us with the schedule of your MAID medical appointments, including informing us of any changes to appointment dates/times.

  • Keep us informed of your desired ingestion date and notify us of any changes as soon as possible. We need at least two weeks notice so we can help you plan and coordinate the necessary arrangements. (Scheduling your desired ingestion date is not entirely under our control). 

  • Communicate any changes in your condition or situation that may impact your MAID plans.

  • Follow the guidance in the standard Vermont Medication Instructions regarding the protocol for ingestion day.

Confidentiality
Our team members adhere to the highest standards of privacy and confidentiality. With your permission, we may need to communicate with the following members of your care team for logistics and planning purposes:

  • Designated family members, friends, or caregivers

  • Vermont doctors

  • Your home hospice team and Vermont hospice team

  • Vermont pharmacist

  • Team members of The Comfort Project

Our team members are part of the Patient Choices Vermont Wayfinders Network. As such, we may speak with other Wayfinders for the purpose of organizing necessary resources for clients during their stay.

Waiver of Liability
The Client, his or her heirs, successors and assigns agree to waive any and all rights, claims or causes of action that you may have against The Comfort Project LLC, and their team members who assist you. The Client understands that team members of The Comfort Project  are not medical professionals, and therefore, do not provide you with medical advice or medical treatment.

The Client understands and agrees that this Waiver of Liability is a COMPLETE RELEASE AND DISCHARGE of all liability whatsoever.

Important Note
The Comfort Project team acknowledges that you are pursuing this process of your own free will. Our team members are not responsible for your decision and will not attempt to influence your decision or actions related to MAID.

Fees and Payment Structure

Service Cost and Process
The basic cost of providing our service is $2,000 per client, however, we have agreed to offer you our services on a sliding scale, and you’ve agreed to pay $300.

Below we describe the concrete services that cover our fee. But equally important to us are the less tangible ways that we offer emotional guidance and support for the people who are involved in this extraordinary choice. This process has a profound effect on everyone involved and the comfort we provide is an important part of our work together.  

Initial Planning Phase
Payment Requirements: Due when you sign and submit this Agreement.  It must be received within five days of signing and returning this Agreement. If the payment is not received within five days, we will consider it paused and you will need to re-confirm your participation prior to continuing.

Services Included with First Payment:
You, as a client, or friend, family member will be given access to the Client Portal, a comprehensive compilation of helpful resources we’ve accumulated over the years. 

  • Ongoing communication throughout the process to assist with planning 

  • Coordination with your doctors, hospice providers, and pharmacists in Vermont 

  • Meetings with you and your family or support team (via phone or Zoom) to develop a plan based on your needs, your timeframe, and those of our service providers in Vermont

  • Coordination of travel and accommodations

  • Availability for questions as they arise and while you complete required appointments

Final Coordination and Day of Service
Payment Requirements: Due once the ingestion date is confirmed with us. This payment should be received prior to your traveling to Vermont for the day you ingest the medication. 

Services Included with Second Payment: 

  • Continued coordination with hospices, pharmacist, doctors, and our team

  • Coordination of a safe location for the ingestion of the medication

  • Support for planning who will be present

  • In-person visit prior to the day you take the medication to review safe ingestion guidelines 

  • Full presence throughout the entire process, which can take anywhere from 2 to 16 hours depending on many unpredictable factors 

  • Coordination with hospice and funeral home for post-mortem care.

If for any reason, you are not able to complete the full process of or services through ingestion day, you may submit a written request for reimbursement of 50% of the total amount you’ve paid to date.

Term and Termination of Agreement
The term of this Agreement shall commence on the date that we receive your initial payment and shall terminate on the date the medication is ingested, unless it is otherwise terminated in writing. 

Acknowledgements:
By purchasing this agreement, you acknowledge that The Comfort Project provides non-medical, supportive services and that all decisions regarding Medical Aid in Dying are made by you and your licensed healthcare providers. You agree to the Waiver of Liability stated above related to your decision to pursue Medical Aid in Dying. This agreement is entered into voluntarily and with full understanding of its contents.

The Comfort Project                  

 Navigating Medical Aid in Dying in Vermont (MAID)

Thank you for contacting our team for assistance. It is a privilege to support you through the process. This agreement provides important information to you as a non-resident of Vermont, to ensure a smooth, peaceful process navigating Vermont’s MAID (Act 39).  This agreement outlines how we can help you and what we need from you to provide effective support. 

Our Team
Our Comfort Project team in Southern Vermont has extensive professional experience in end-of-life care. We provide practical information and guidance based on our experience helping others through the MAID process.  We have been assisting people from out-of-state since the law was passed in May 2023.

What We Offer

  • We clarify complex information about MAID eligibility requirements, as well as what is needed to successfully complete the process.          

  • We help you coordinate with your medical team in Vermont: doctors, hospice and pharmacist, all separate and independent entities.        

  • We assist in identifying appropriate local lodging during your visits to Vermont for doctors’ appointments. We find you a safe location for ingestion.

  • We provide information to help you coordinate funeral arrangements. 

  • The essence of our support is to guide you through the steps prior to and up to the day of ingestion. We meet with you and your family/friends the day before ingestion to review the standard Vermont Medication Instructions; together we create a plan for ingestion day.

  • On the day of ingestion, two members of our team are present: we provide compassionate, practical care; at the family’s request, we mix the medication and monitor ingestion; after death we notify hospice and the funeral home.   

  • We remain present with family/friends until the process is complete.                                                                                                                                             

What We Need From You
A peaceful and smooth MAID experience depends on thoughtful preparation and collaboration. By signing this agreement, you acknowledge that you and your caregivers will be responsible for completing the necessary tasks described below. 

  • Provide us with contact information: yours and your caregivers. 

  • Designate a point person to coordinate with our team as needed.

  • Provide us with the schedule of your MAID medical appointments, including informing us of any changes to appointment dates/times.

  • Keep us informed of your desired ingestion date and notify us of any changes as soon as possible. We need at least two weeks notice so we can help you plan and coordinate the necessary arrangements. (Scheduling your desired ingestion date is not entirely under our control). 

  • Communicate any changes in your condition or situation that may impact your MAID plans.

  • Follow the guidance in the standard Vermont Medication Instructions regarding the protocol for ingestion day.

Confidentiality
Our team members adhere to the highest standards of privacy and confidentiality. With your permission, we may need to communicate with the following members of your care team for logistics and planning purposes:

  • Designated family members, friends, or caregivers

  • Vermont doctors

  • Your home hospice team and Vermont hospice team

  • Vermont pharmacist

  • Team members of The Comfort Project

Our team members are part of the Patient Choices Vermont Wayfinders Network. As such, we may speak with other Wayfinders for the purpose of organizing necessary resources for clients during their stay.

Waiver of Liability
The Client, his or her heirs, successors and assigns agree to waive any and all rights, claims or causes of action that you may have against The Comfort Project LLC, and their team members who assist you. The Client understands that team members of The Comfort Project  are not medical professionals, and therefore, do not provide you with medical advice or medical treatment.

The Client understands and agrees that this Waiver of Liability is a COMPLETE RELEASE AND DISCHARGE of all liability whatsoever.

Important Note
The Comfort Project team acknowledges that you are pursuing this process of your own free will. Our team members are not responsible for your decision and will not attempt to influence your decision or actions related to MAID.

Fees and Payment Structure

Service Cost and Process
The basic cost of providing our service is $2,000 per client, however, we have agreed to offer you our services on a sliding scale, and you’ve agreed to pay $300.

Below we describe the concrete services that cover our fee. But equally important to us are the less tangible ways that we offer emotional guidance and support for the people who are involved in this extraordinary choice. This process has a profound effect on everyone involved and the comfort we provide is an important part of our work together.  

Initial Planning Phase
Payment Requirements: Due when you sign and submit this Agreement.  It must be received within five days of signing and returning this Agreement. If the payment is not received within five days, we will consider it paused and you will need to re-confirm your participation prior to continuing.

Services Included with First Payment:
You, as a client, or friend, family member will be given access to the Client Portal, a comprehensive compilation of helpful resources we’ve accumulated over the years. 

  • Ongoing communication throughout the process to assist with planning 

  • Coordination with your doctors, hospice providers, and pharmacists in Vermont 

  • Meetings with you and your family or support team (via phone or Zoom) to develop a plan based on your needs, your timeframe, and those of our service providers in Vermont

  • Coordination of travel and accommodations

  • Availability for questions as they arise and while you complete required appointments

Final Coordination and Day of Service
Payment Requirements: Due once the ingestion date is confirmed with us. This payment should be received prior to your traveling to Vermont for the day you ingest the medication. 

Services Included with Second Payment: 

  • Continued coordination with hospices, pharmacist, doctors, and our team

  • Coordination of a safe location for the ingestion of the medication

  • Support for planning who will be present

  • In-person visit prior to the day you take the medication to review safe ingestion guidelines 

  • Full presence throughout the entire process, which can take anywhere from 2 to 16 hours depending on many unpredictable factors 

  • Coordination with hospice and funeral home for post-mortem care.

If for any reason, you are not able to complete the full process of or services through ingestion day, you may submit a written request for reimbursement of 50% of the total amount you’ve paid to date.

Term and Termination of Agreement
The term of this Agreement shall commence on the date that we receive your initial payment and shall terminate on the date the medication is ingested, unless it is otherwise terminated in writing. 

Acknowledgements:
By purchasing this agreement, you acknowledge that The Comfort Project provides non-medical, supportive services and that all decisions regarding Medical Aid in Dying are made by you and your licensed healthcare providers. You agree to the Waiver of Liability stated above related to your decision to pursue Medical Aid in Dying. This agreement is entered into voluntarily and with full understanding of its contents.