Compassionate Medical Aid in Dying Care
SERVING PATIENTS THROUGHOUT CALIFORNIA & NEW YORK
Personalized, compassionate guidance for patients and families navigating end-of-life decisions.
Patients considering Medical Aid in Dying deserve clear information, honest conversations, and a physician who will guide them through each step of the process.
As a board-certified Hospice & Palliative Care physician, Dr. Demi Wolford works directly with eligible California and New York patients throughout the Medical Aid in Dying process, answering questions, coordinating care, and providing timely guidance from the first consultation through every stage of the process.
Direct Physician Care Throughout the Process
DR. DEMI WOLFORD
Whether you are exploring Medical Aid in Dying for the first time or are ready to begin the process, Dr. Wolford provides physician support, timely communication, and telemedicine care for eligible patients throughout California and New York.
Compassionate Care Through Every Step
THE PROCESS
Start with a Conversation
Meet with Dr. Wolford to discuss your diagnosis, answer questions, and better understand your options.
Eligibility & Care Planning
Review eligibility requirements and receive clear information about the next steps based on your individual circumstances.
Personalized Support
From care coordination to physician services, Dr. Wolford remains available to support patients and families throughout the process.
WHAT TO EXPECT
You’re Not Navigating This Alone
Medical Aid in Dying can involve multiple conversations, legal requirements, and coordination with other members of your healthcare team such as your hospice or other medical providers.
Dr. Wolford helps patients understand each step, coordinates care when needed, and remains directly involved throughout the process.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your Questions, Answered
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Medical Aid in Dying is a legal option available to certain terminally ill adults in California and New York. It allows eligible patients to request medication that they may choose to self-administer to peacefully end their lives. Both states have specific eligibility requirements and safeguards to ensure that decisions are informed, voluntary, and consistent with the patient's wishes.
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To be eligible for Medical Aid in Dying under California or New York law, a person must:
Be 18 years of age or older
Be a resident of California or New York
Have a terminal illness with a prognosis of six months or less, as determined by two qualified healthcare providers in accordance with state law
Have the capacity to make informed medical decisions and provide informed consent
Be making the request voluntarily, without coercion
Be physically capable of self-administering the prescribed medication
Eligibility is determined through a comprehensive medical evaluation and completion of the requirements established by the patient's state of residence. Additional safeguards, evaluations, and documentation requirements vary between California and New York.
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Appointments are conducted through a combination of telemedicine and in-person visits, depending on the patient's location, individual needs, and applicable state requirements. Our goal is to make the process as accessible and comfortable as possible while ensuring that all legal and medical requirements are met.
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Every patient's situation is unique. For patients experiencing a rapidly changing condition, timely communication and coordination can be especially important.
Dr. Wolford works closely with patients and families to help move the process forward as efficiently as medically and legally appropriate.
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Hospice enrollment is not required for an initial consultation or eligibility evaluation. However, because hospice can provide important medical, emotional, and practical support, Dr. Wolford strongly encourages hospice involvement and generally requires hospice enrollment before prescribing aid-in-dying medication.
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Yes. Family members, caregivers, and loved ones are often an important part of the conversation surrounding Medical Aid in Dying. Patients are welcome to include those they wish to have involved in discussions, planning, and decision-making throughout the process.
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You do not need to have made a decision before scheduling a consultation. An initial consultation provides an opportunity to ask questions, learn about Medical Aid in Dying laws and requirements in California or New York, and explore whether this option may be right for you.
There is no obligation to move forward. Many people find value simply in having clear information, understanding the process, and speaking with a physician experienced in end-of-life care.
Have Questions? Let's Start with a Conversation.
Whether you are exploring Medical Aid in Dying for yourself, supporting a loved one, or making a professional referral, Dr. Wolford is available to help you understand your options and determine the best path forward.