What are “life support systems” that may be withheld if I have a living will?
• The law defines “life support systems” to mean “any medical procedure or intervention which, when applied to an individual, would serve only to postpone the moment of death or maintain the individual in a state of permanent unconsciousness. In these circumstances, such procedures shall include, but are not limited to, mechanical or electronic devices including artificial means of providing nutrition or hydration.” Examples of “life support systems” include respirators, CPR and/or artificial means of providing nutrition and hydration, including feeding tubes.
