Life Sustaining Statute, Illinois
A Life Sustaining Statute or a uniform living will is a legal document written by someone who is diagnosed with an illness that may be difficult to cure or has a chance to become a terminal illness. A life sustaining statute or uniform living will states the wishes of the person who is ill. It states what they would want to happen in the case that their illness does become terminal or that they pass the point of no return. This document states the types of medications he will be restricted to and from. It also states that if the person decided to prolong or shorten his or her life, that he or she did it willingly, of sound mind, has been informed of possible treatments and procedures, and understands all legal implications of his or her decisions. The document is generally written (this may vary among states) with the writer’s signature, City of residence, County of residence, State of residence, Social Security Number, the Date it was signed, and the names of the witnesses present during this event. It is then presented to a notary public for notarization and publishing. Finally, you are encouraged to keep multiple copies. Make sure that theses can be accessible with your doctor, lawyer, and family members.
A life sustaining statute is generally legal in most states and will generally be enforce and made in the presence of witnesses and a notary public. There is a general format when it come to life sustaining statutes but the details may differ depending on the state you are in. In the state of Illinois, it is a general legal form.
Life Sustaining Statute, Illinois
Statutory Declaration in Conformance with Illinois Natural Death Act, IL. Stat. 110 ½ Paragraph 703
DECLARATION OF ______________________
This declaration is made this __________ day of __________ 20___________. I, _____________________________, being of sound mind, willfully and voluntarily make known my desires that my moment of death shall not be artificially postponed.
If at any time I should have an incurable and irreversible injury, disease, or illness judged to be a terminal condition by my attending physicians who has personally examined me, and has determined that my death is imminent except for death delaying procedures, I direct that such procedures which would serve only to prolong the dying process be withheld or withdrawn, and that I be permitted to die naturally with only the administration of medication, sustenance, or the performance of any medical procedure deemed necessary to provide me with comfort care.
In the absence of my ability to give directions regarding the use of such death delaying procedures, it is my intention that this declaration shall be honored by my family and physician as the final expression of my legal right to refuse medical or surgical treatment and accept the consequences from such refusal.
________________________________________City of Residence: ________________
County of Residence: ______________
State of Residence: _______________
Date: __________________________________
Witness _________________________________________________
Witness _________________________________________________
Date: ___________________________________Statutory Declaration in Conformance with Illinois Natural Death Act, IL. Stat. 110 ½ Paragraph 703
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 Illinois. 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 Illinois Life Sustaining Statute?
The Illinois Life Sustaining Statute, also known as the Illinois Natural Death Act, allows individuals to make a statutory declaration regarding their end-of-life medical care. This declaration states that the person does not want their moment of death artificially postponed if they have a terminal condition. The statute provides a legal framework for withholding or withdrawing death-delaying procedures.
How do I make a declaration under the Illinois Natural Death Act?
To make a declaration, you must complete a form that includes your name, the date, and a statement of your desires regarding death-delaying procedures. The declaration must be made voluntarily and while you are of sound mind. The form provided in the statute can be used as a template.
What does the Illinois Life Sustaining Statute declaration say?
The declaration states that if you have an incurable and irreversible injury, disease, or illness judged to be terminal by your attending physician, and death is imminent except for death-delaying procedures, you direct that such procedures be withheld or withdrawn. You also direct that you be permitted to die naturally with only comfort care, such as medication, sustenance, or medical procedures deemed necessary for comfort.
Who can honor a declaration under the Illinois Natural Death Act?
The declaration is intended to be honored by your family and physician as the final expression of your legal right to refuse medical or surgical treatment. It applies when you are unable to give directions regarding the use of death-delaying procedures. The statute ensures that your wishes are respected by those responsible for your care.
What is a terminal condition under the Illinois Life Sustaining Statute?
A terminal condition is defined as an incurable and irreversible injury, disease, or illness judged to be terminal by your attending physician who has personally examined you. The physician must determine that death is imminent except for death-delaying procedures. This determination triggers the application of your declaration.
What are death-delaying procedures according to the Illinois Natural Death Act?
Death-delaying procedures are medical interventions that would serve only to prolong the dying process when a terminal condition exists. The statute allows you to direct that such procedures be withheld or withdrawn. However, comfort care measures, such as medication and sustenance, are still permitted.
Does the Illinois Life Sustaining Statute allow comfort care?
Yes, the declaration specifically permits the administration of medication, sustenance, or any medical procedure deemed necessary to provide comfort care. Even when death-delaying procedures are withheld or withdrawn, comfort care must be provided. This ensures that you are kept as comfortable as possible.
What happens if I am unable to give directions regarding my care?
If you are unable to give directions, your declaration is intended to be honored by your family and physician as the final expression of your legal right to refuse medical or surgical treatment. The statute ensures that your previously expressed wishes guide your care. This provision helps avoid confusion or conflict among decision-makers.
Is the Illinois Life Sustaining Statute declaration legally binding?
The declaration is a legal document made under the Illinois Natural Death Act. It expresses your legal right to refuse medical or surgical treatment. When properly executed, it is intended to be honored by your family and physician.
What is the purpose of the Illinois Natural Death Act?
The purpose is to allow individuals to make a statutory declaration that their moment of death shall not be artificially postponed under certain terminal conditions. It provides a legal means to withhold or withdraw death-delaying procedures and to receive comfort care only. The Act supports the right to die naturally.
