The AMD will only come into force once you have been determined to have a terminal illness and a Certificate of Terminal illness has been issued.

Three doctors, including the patient’s hospital doctor, must unanimously certify a patient’s terminal illness. Two of the doctors must be specialists.

If the first panel of three doctors cannot agree unanimously that the patient is terminally ill, the doctor-in-charge will review his diagnosis. If he is still of the opinion that the patient is terminally ill, the matter will be referred to a second panel of three specialists, to be appointed by the Ministry of Health.

If the second panel of doctors also cannot agree unanimously that the patient is terminally ill, the AMD CANNOT take effect. The patient’s life will continue to be sustained and he will receive medical treatment as normal.