Contents Of A Living Will
Living wills come in different wordings, but the content says the same thing: The patient is given the right to decide for his medical care even in the bed of unconsciousness, terminal illness, or vegetative state. Specifically, the living will touches the following areas:
1. Declaration of sound-mindedness at the time of making the living will. The testator affirms that he is in a reasonably perfect state of mind to decide on his medical wishes and to understand their implications and that all decisions are made willfully, voluntarily, and without the presence of any kind of pressure. This have to be made sure because whatever wishes indicated in the living will would be actualized and would determine whether to withdraw or continue any medical intervention.
2. Possible medical scenarios. These may include comatose, vegetative state, permanent disability, brain damage (both terminal and not), and chronic illness. For each medical scenario, the testator chooses whether to undergo treatments and if so, under what specific goal. It can be to sustain life, to attempt to cure, to provide comfort, etc. Additionally, the testator can specifically state his refusal of life-sustaining or life-prolonging measures, should bringing the desired quality of life is impossible and death is imminent. It is important to note, however, that a living will is not supposed to include unwarranted requests like euthanasia, administration of unnecessary and inappropriate medications, and the likes.
3. Appeal that the living will be honored. The testator requests that the attending physicians and family members honor the directives stated in the living will.
4. Statement of possible revocation. The testator reserves the right to revoke the living will at any time. But unless the living will is revoked, it would remain active and must represent the wishes of the testator.
5. Declaration of witnesses. The witnesses testify that the testator is emotionally, legally, and mentally capable of making the decisions and that he understands the implications of the stated health care desires. They also state that they are not in any way related to the testator by blood or marriage, do not represent the testator’s doctors or attending hospital, and are not beneficiaries of the testator’s estate.
6. Signatures of the testator and witnesses. The living will is duly signed to make it legally binding. Any unsigned living will is considered invalid.
The contents of a living will should be carefully reviewed before notarizing, if required by the state, and filing. It is also important to update the living will periodically, as beliefs change over time and new medical treatments, which the testator may either like or dislike to receive, are introduced each year.
Comments
Menu
My Articles
What People Should Know About Living WillSelecting Your Health Care Proxies In Living Wills
Organ Donation On Your Living Will
Living Will: An Overview
What Is The Purpose Of A Living Will?
A Living Will?
How To Create Your Own Living Will
Specific Medical Treatments Involved In Living Will
More Than Just A Living Will
Steps To Creating A Living Will
Contents Of A Living Will
Living Will Forms: How To Deal With Them
The Benefits Of Using A Living Will Software
The Fundamentals Of A Living Will
Difference Between A Living Will, A Will, And A Living Trust
What Is A Living Will?
Frequently Asked Questions About Living Will
Differences Of A Living Will And Trust
Living Will: Planning For End-of-Life Issues
What Is The Difference Between A Living Will And Durable Power Of Attorney?
The Benefits Of A Living Will: A Rundown
When Is A Living Will Effective?
Tips For Living Will Creation
Guidelines In Making A Living Will
Related Sites | My Articles The Benefits Of Using A Living Will Software The dilemma whether to extend the life of Terri Schiavo,.. What Is The Difference Between A Living Will And Durable Power Of Attorney? Patients who might be on a tug of war between life and death.. Living Will: Planning For End-of-Life Issues You can never be certain on what will happen to you so it is important to.. Specific Medical Treatments Involved In Living Will Living will is a legal document wherein you are giving instructions.. |
|
|
Related News:
|