Life Sustaining Statute, Alabama
Statutory Declaration in Conformance with Alabama Natural Death Act, Al. Code 22-8A-4.
DECLARATION OF __________________
Declaration made this __________ day of ________________ 20________. I, ______________, being of sound mind, willfully and voluntarily make known my desires that my dying shall not be artificially prolonged under the circumstances set forth below, do hereby declare:If at any time I should have an incurable injury, disease, or illness certified to be a terminal condition by two physicians who have personally examined me, one of whom shall be my attending physician, and the physicians have determined that my death will occur whether or not life- sustaining procedures are utilized and where the application of life-sustaining procedures would serve only to artificially prolong the dying process, I direct that such procedures be withheld or withdrawn, and that I be permitted to die naturally with only the administration of medication or the performance of any medical procedure deemed necessary too provide me with comfort care.
In the absence of my ability to give directions regarding the use of such life-sustaining procedures, it is my intention that this declaration shall be honored by my family and physicians as the final expression of my legal right to refuse medical or surgical treatment and accept the consequences from such refusal.
I understand the full import of this declaration and I am emotionally and mentally competent to make this declaration.
________________________________________
City of residence: _______________
County of residence: _____________
State of residence: ______________
Date: __________________________________The declarant has been personally known to me and I believe him or her to be of sound mind. I did not sign the declarant’s signature above for or at the declaration of the declarant. I am not related to the declarant by blood or marriage, entitled to any portion of the estate of the declarant according to the laws of intestate succession or under any will of declarant or codicil thereto, or directly financially responsible for declarant’s medical care.
Witness ______________________________________________
Witness ______________________________________________
Date: ___________________________________________
Statutory Declaration in Conformance with Alabama Natural Death Act, Al. Code 22-8A-4.
Review ListThis review list is provided to inform you about this document in question and assist you in its preparation. This simple Life Sustaining Declaration is valid in Alabama. Check with a local hospital or doctor’s office, as well as with an experienced medical attorney, to assure yourself of its compliance with current statute (s) in your state.
1. Make multiple copies. Give one to your doctor (s), the local hospital, and have others available through your attorney and family. Remember, these kinds of documents are needed in emergency situations at worst and under stressful circumstances at best. So be sure they are available to the appropriate people easily, when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Alabama Natural Death Act?
The Alabama Natural Death Act is referenced in the statutory declaration provided in the article. It allows individuals to make a declaration regarding the withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining procedures under certain circumstances. The declaration is made in conformance with Alabama Code 22-8A-4.
How do I make a living will in Alabama?
To make a living will in Alabama, you can use the statutory declaration form provided in the article. The form requires you to declare your desires regarding life-sustaining procedures if you have a terminal condition. It must be signed and dated, and you must be of sound mind.
What is a terminal condition according to Alabama law?
According to the article, a terminal condition is an incurable injury, disease, or illness certified by two physicians who have personally examined you. One of the physicians must be your attending physician. The physicians must determine that death will occur whether or not life-sustaining procedures are utilized.
Who needs to certify a terminal condition for a living will in Alabama?
Two physicians who have personally examined you must certify the terminal condition. One of these physicians must be your attending physician. This is stated in the declaration provided in the article.
What are life-sustaining procedures under the Alabama Natural Death Act?
The article does not define life-sustaining procedures explicitly, but it refers to procedures that would artificially prolong the dying process when a terminal condition exists. The declaration directs that such procedures be withheld or withdrawn. Comfort care, such as medication or medical procedures deemed necessary for comfort, is still permitted.
Can I request comfort care in my Alabama living will?
Yes, the declaration in the article states that you direct life-sustaining procedures be withheld or withdrawn and that you be permitted to die naturally with only the administration of medication or the performance of any medical procedure deemed necessary to provide you with comfort care. This allows you to request comfort care.
What happens if I am unable to give directions regarding life-sustaining procedures?
The article states that in the absence of your ability to give directions regarding the use of such life-sustaining procedures, it is your intention that this declaration governs. The declaration allows you to make your wishes known in advance.
Is the Alabama living will form legally binding?
The article provides a statutory declaration in conformance with the Alabama Natural Death Act, Alabama Code 22-8A-4. It does not explicitly state whether the form is legally binding, but it is a declaration made willfully and voluntarily. For legal advice, consult an attorney.
What is the purpose of a declaration of living will in Alabama?
The purpose is to make known your desires that your dying shall not be artificially prolonged under certain circumstances. It allows you to direct that life-sustaining procedures be withheld or withdrawn if you have a terminal condition. This is based on the declaration provided in the article.
How should I complete the Alabama living will form?
The form requires you to fill in your name, the date, and your declaration. You must declare that you are of sound mind and willfully and voluntarily make known your desires. The form includes specific conditions under which life-sustaining procedures should be withheld or withdrawn.
