Northern Health has been consulting with its doctors about medically assisted dying leading up to its legalization Monday.
Federal legislation has not yet passed so B.C. signaled it would give legal weight to a set of standards created by the B.C. College of Physicians and Surgeons to help make sure safeguards are in place to protect patients.
Locally, the Prince George Division of Family Practice said it wouldn't be taking the lead on the issue and its members are instead looking for guidance elsewhere.
"The division doesn't focus specifically on what individual doctors are providing," said executive director Olive Godwin.
"We're looking for leadership from different organizations like Northern Health - how are they moving forward - the College of Physicians and Surgeons, how are they moving forward," and the province, she said.
"We definitely are very interested in the leadership that Northern Health is taking. They've sent out a couple of communications to doctors," Godwin said in what is sure to be an evolving conversation.
"I think there's going to be a slow start up."
Northern Health didn't respond to questions about specific communication sent to the region's doctors and instead provided a statement from it and the Ministry of Health.
"We engage with physicians and staff about this topic in a number of forms and will continue to do so. We continue to have conversations with our physicians across the north which allows us to provide information, and to gather input and information from them," said an email from spokesman Jonathon Dyck, adding the health authority is working with the provincial government, professional colleges and other health-care agencies to understand the legislation.
"Our goal is to ensure people within our communities have access to the highest standard of compassionate and respectful care, while ensuring staff and physicians are fully informed and supported."
