Life Sustaining Statute, Maine
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 Maine, it is a general legal form.
Life Sustaining Statute, Maine
Declaration Provided by Maine Revised Statutes Title 22 Section 2922
DECLARATION
If I should have an incurable or irreversible condition that will cause my death within a short time, and if I am unable to participate in decisions regarding my medical treatment, I direct my attending physician to withhold or withdraw procedures that merely prolong the dying process and are not necessary to my comfort or freedom from pain.Signed this _____________ day of _______________________________
date month year
Signature ______________________________________________The Declarant is known to me and voluntarily signed this document in my presence.
Witness ________________________________________________Address:
Witness ________________________________________________
Address:
Declaration Provided by Maine Revised Statutes Title 22 Section 2922
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 Maine. 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 Maine Life Sustaining Statute?
The Maine Life Sustaining Statute is codified in Maine Revised Statutes Title 22, Section 2922. It provides the statutory form for a declaration allowing individuals to direct their attending physician to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining procedures under certain conditions. This declaration is commonly known as a living will.
What does the Maine Life Sustaining Declaration allow me to do?
The declaration allows you to direct your attending physician to withhold or withdraw procedures that merely prolong the dying process and are not necessary for your comfort or freedom from pain. This applies if you have an incurable or irreversible condition that will cause your death within a short time and you are unable to participate in decisions regarding your medical treatment. It is a way to express your wishes for end-of-life care.
Who can sign a Maine Life Sustaining Declaration?
Any competent adult can sign a Maine Life Sustaining Declaration. The declarant must sign the document voluntarily in the presence of witnesses. The statute requires the declarant to be known to the witnesses and to sign in their presence.
How many witnesses are required for a Maine Life Sustaining Declaration?
The Maine Life Sustaining Declaration form provided in the statute includes spaces for two witnesses. Each witness must provide their signature and address. The witnesses attest that the declarant is known to them and voluntarily signed the document in their presence.
When does a Maine Life Sustaining Declaration become effective?
A Maine Life Sustaining Declaration becomes effective when you have an incurable or irreversible condition that will cause your death within a short time and you are unable to participate in decisions regarding your medical treatment. At that point, your attending physician is directed to follow your wishes as expressed in the declaration. It does not apply in other circumstances.
What procedures can be withheld or withdrawn under a Maine Life Sustaining Declaration?
The declaration directs your attending physician to withhold or withdraw procedures that merely prolong the dying process and are not necessary to your comfort or freedom from pain. This may include life-sustaining treatments that do not provide comfort or alleviate pain. The focus is on avoiding unnecessary prolongation of the dying process.
Is a Maine Life Sustaining Declaration the same as a living will?
Yes, a Maine Life Sustaining Declaration is a type of living will. It is a legal document that allows you to state your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment. The term 'life sustaining declaration' is used in the Maine statute, but it serves the same purpose as a living will.
Do I need a lawyer to complete a Maine Life Sustaining Declaration?
The article suggests checking with a local hospital or doctor's office, as well as with an experienced medical attorney, to assure yourself of its compliance with current statutes in your area. While the form is provided by statute and may be completed without a lawyer, consulting a professional can help ensure it meets current legal requirements. It is ultimately your decision whether to seek legal assistance.
What should I do after signing a Maine Life Sustaining Declaration?
After signing a Maine Life Sustaining Declaration, you should inform your attending physician and family members about your wishes. It is also advisable to provide copies to your healthcare providers and ensure that the document is easily accessible when needed. The article recommends checking with a local hospital or doctor's office to confirm compliance with current statutes.
Is the Maine Life Sustaining Declaration form valid in other states?
The article states that this simple Life Sustaining Declaration is valid in Maine. It does not address validity in other states. If you spend time in another state, you may need to check that state's laws regarding advance directives.
