New guidelines on assisted suicide: will nurses be prosecuted?

In the recent decision by the House of Lords, in R (on the application of Purdy) vs Director of Public Prosecutions, the Director of Public Prosecutions was directed to publish a prosecutorial policy on when to seek charges under Section 2(1) of the Suicide Act in cases relating to assistance with dying. Consistent with that decision, the Director of Public Prosecutions published an interim policy in September. This article describes the purpose and scope of that policy. It further provides an analysis of the factors relating to prosecution, which are included in the DPP's guidance. Finally, the effect that the guidance may have on healthcare workers is considered.