Living Wills And How They Work
Its primary purpose is to make it possible for you – the maker or owner – to formulate decisions in advance with regard to medical treatment or life support, and lawfully command the health care team to carry out your wishes in that regard.
Because of the presence of numerous advances in the field of medicine and health care, doctors are now capable of sustaining life – even if it means being in a permanently vegetative condition. This is one of the reasons why living wills have become such a necessity.
Not all people actually like the idea of remaining in an almost lifeless state for an indefinite period of time. More often than not, the notion of extending life even when death is just round the corner seems excruciating for both the family and the patient. It's like one way of prolonging the suffering.
A living will makes it possible for you to decide whether life-sustaining measures and medical treatment should be continued or withheld. The directive may also include the refusal to take artificial feeding. Aside from that, you may even express other specific wishes before you become incapacitated to make decisions for your health care.
In order for the living will to be legally binding, the appropriate form must be utilized and it must be accomplished in conformity with the state laws on the subject of living wills. A number of states require the presence and signatures of two valid witnesses, the attendance of a Notary Public, or both.
In case the living will form necessitates the appointment of a patient advocate, he or she must not be any of the two witnesses. Your advocate should carry the burden of deciding for your health care and medical treatment in the unfortunate event of your incapacity to make the decision for yourself.
This person is also known as a health care representative. He or she may be a spouse, a daughter or son, a family member, a friend, or any significant person that you absolutely trust.
In essence, a living will becomes effective when the creator is no longer capable of making decisions with regard to medical treatment. It may be in the face of a terminal illness, permanent unconsciousness or coma, inability to communicate, mental incapacity, or vegetative condition.
In the event of any of these situations, the health care provider – a hospital, a hospice, or a nursing home – must be provided with a copy of the advance directive. The instructions contained within the legal document will serve as the basis for the continuation or withdrawal of medical treatment and other life-sustaining procedures.
The health care team, specifically the attending physicians, is legally bound to follow the directives indicated on a living will. However, although it is considered a legal document, the maker may revoke or change the contents of the will provided that it is carried out prior to becoming debilitated.
On top of that, the proper procedures for the revocation of living wills should be followed to make the act official.
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Living Wills Menu
Living Wills Articles
The Ultimate Guide In Making A Louisiana Living WillLiving Wills For Health Care
Knowing The Pros And Cons Of Living Wills
Facing The Difficult Task Of Making Living Wills
Living Wills And How They Work
Living Wills: Your Right, Your Choice
Massachusetts Living Wills 101
The Details Of California Living Will Forms
Advanced Directives And Living Wills In Nebraska
Living Wills And The Terry Schiavo Case
Living Wills: Putting Your Refusal Into Writing
The Limitations And Alternatives Of Missouri Living Wills
Ohio Living Wills And Other Advance Directives
Living Wills: How To Plan For The Future
Living Wills And The Extent Of Your Options
Questions Worth Asking About Advance Directives And Living Wills
Living Will Forms And How They Work
Step One: Get Free Living Wills Online
Differentiating A Living Will And A Living Trust
Living Wills And Power Of Attorney
Exploring The Contents Of Living Wills
The Basic Details About Kentucky Living Wills
Take Your Pick: Living Wills Or Living Trusts
The Advantages Of Living Wills And Living Trusts
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