Does a written directive have the same status as an oral request?
The Act recognises written directives (living wills) as well as oral requests as legitimate forms of request for euthanasia. The recognition of written directives is especially important where a doctor decides to comply with a request for euthanasia in circumstances where the patient is no longer able to express his wishes orally. In such circumstances, a written directive counts as a well-considered request for euthanasia, but its existence can never discharge the doctor from his duty to reach his own decision on the request in the light of the statutory due care criteria. The doctor must normally give serious consideration to any written directive. The only exception is where he has reason to believe that the patient was not competent to make a reasonable appraisal of his own interests at the time when he signed it. In that case, the directive will not constitute a request for euthanasia within the meaning of the Act. It is important that the doctor and patient discuss the terms of t
Related Questions
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- If only a legal issue is in dispute, can I request the ALJ to issue a PFD without converting my oral hearing into a written submission hearing?
- Does a written directive have the same status as an oral request?
