(a) An individual of sound mind and eighteen (18) or more years of age may execute at any time a declaration governing the withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment. The declaration must be signed by the declarant, or another at the declarant's direction, and witnessed by two (2) individuals.
(b) A declaration may be, but need not be, in the following form in the case where the patient has a terminal condition:
"DECLARATION
(c) A declaration may be, but need not be, in the following form in the case where the patient is permanently unconscious:
"DECLARATION
(d) A physician or other health care provider who is furnished a copy of the declaration shall make it a part of the declarant's medical record and, if unwilling to comply with the declaration, promptly so advise the declarant.
(e) In the case of a qualified patient, the patient's health care proxy, in consultation with the attending physician, shall have the authority to make treatment decisions for the patient including the withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining procedures.
(f) A declaration executed by a qualified individual shall be clear and convincing evidence of his or her wishes, but clear and convincing evidence of an individual's wishes is not limited to the declarations under this section.
(g) (1) The directives concerning nutrition and hydration contained in subsections (b) and (c) of this section shall apply only to declarations executed on and after July 16, 2003.
(2) All declarations executed before that date shall remain in full force and effect, and the provisions of subsections (b) and (c) of this section pertaining to hydration and nutrition shall not be applied in the interpretation or construction of any such declaration, nor shall they be applied to in any way invalidate any such declaration or to otherwise limit the directives, powers, and authority granted under any such declaration.
Section: 20-17-202 20-17-203 20-17-204 20-17-205 20-17-206 20-17-207 20-17-208 20-17-209 20-17-210 20-17-211 20-17-212 20-17-213 20-17-214 20-17-215 NextLast modified: November 15, 2016