AnalysisA life prolonging procedures will declaration is a health declaration in which an individual states that if the individual has an incurable injury, disease, or illness determined to be a terminal condition, the individual requests the use of life prolonging procedures that would extend life, including appropriate nutrition and hydration, the administration of medication, and the performance of all other medical procedures necessary to extend life, provide comfort care, or alleviate pain.
In contrast, a living will is a health declaration in which an individual states if the individual has an incurable injury, disease, or illness, death will occur within a short time, and the use of life prolonging procedures would serve only to artificially prolong the dying process, the individual directs that such procedures be withheld or withdrawn, and that the individual be permitted to die naturally with only the performance or provision of any medical procedure or medication necessary to provide comfort care or alleviate pain. The individual may elect to receive or not receive artificially supplied nutrition and hydration.
Senate Bill 287 provides the option of signing either of these declarations in the presence of a Notary. For many individuals, going to a Notary is preferable, particularly if two witnesses cannot be found to witness the individual’s signature on a declaration.
Read Senate Bill 287.