Can the physician (or healthcare facility) override an advance directive?
The physician or healthcare facility cannot override an advance directive. However, the medical power of attorney and the living will will not be effective in the event of medical emergency. In Texas, ambulance personnel are required to provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) unless they are given a separate order that states otherwise. Texas recognizes nonhospital do-not-resuscitate orders. These orders must be signed by a physician and instruct ambulance personnel not to attempt CPR if the patients heart or breathing should stop. 5. What is the definition of a terminal illness? This means an incurable condition caused by injury, disease, or illness that according to reasonable medical judgement will produce death within six months, even with available life-sustaining treatment provided in accordance with the prevailing standard of medical care. 6. How is the persistent vegetative state (permanent unconsciousness) considered in the advance directive legislation? I did not see anyt
