Life Sustaining Statute, New Mexico
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 New Mexico, it is a general legal form.
Life Sustaining Statute, New Mexico
New Mexico Right to Die Act
DIRECTIONS OF ________________I, _______________, of _______________, ________, __________, herewith state:
1. I am of sound mind and have reached the age of majority.
2. After due and mature deliberation I have decided that it is consistent with my religious, moral and ethical beliefs that if I should ever be certified under the New Mexico Right to Die Act as suffering from a terminal condition that “maintenance medical treatment” as is defined by that act shall not be utilized to prolong my life.
3. If the time comes when I, ________________, can no longer take part in decisions of my own future, let this statement stand as an expression of my wishes while I am still of sound mind.
4. This statement is made after careful consideration and is in accordance with my strong convictions and beliefs. I want the wishes and directions here expressed carried out to the extent permitted by law. Insofar as they are not legally enforceable, I hope that those to whom this will is addressed will regard themselves as morally bound by these provisions.
Signed: __________________________________________
Date: _________________
Witnesses:
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
New Mexico Right to Die Act
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 New Mexico. 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 New Mexico Right to Die Act?
The New Mexico Right to Die Act is a law that allows individuals to make a directive stating that maintenance medical treatment shall not be used to prolong their life if they are certified as suffering from a terminal condition. The act defines the terms and conditions under which such a directive can be made. It is referenced in the provided document as the legal basis for the declaration.
Who can make a directive under the New Mexico Right to Die Act?
According to the document, a person must be of sound mind and have reached the age of majority to make a directive under the New Mexico Right to Die Act. The declarant must also state that the decision is consistent with their religious, moral, and ethical beliefs. The document includes a place for the declarant to affirm these conditions.
What is maintenance medical treatment under the New Mexico Right to Die Act?
The document refers to 'maintenance medical treatment' as defined by the New Mexico Right to Die Act. The exact definition is not provided in the article, but it is the type of treatment that the declarant wishes to forgo if they are certified as suffering from a terminal condition. The act itself contains the specific definition.
How do I make a living will in New Mexico?
The document provides a form titled 'New Mexico Right to Die Act DIRECTIONS OF ________________'. To make a living will, you would fill in your name, location, and other details, and sign the document in the presence of witnesses. The form includes statements affirming your sound mind, age of majority, and your wishes regarding maintenance medical treatment.
What should be included in a living will in New Mexico?
Based on the document, a living will in New Mexico should include your name, the date, and a statement that you are of sound mind and have reached the age of majority. It should also express your decision that maintenance medical treatment shall not be utilized to prolong your life if you are certified as suffering from a terminal condition, consistent with your religious, moral, and ethical beliefs. The document must be signed and witnessed.
Does a living will in New Mexico need to be witnessed?
Yes, the document includes a section for witnesses to sign. The form has lines for witnesses to sign after the declarant's signature. This indicates that witnessing is a required part of the process.
What is a terminal condition under the New Mexico Right to Die Act?
The document refers to a 'terminal condition' as defined by the New Mexico Right to Die Act. The exact definition is not provided in the article, but it is the condition that must be certified for the directive to take effect. The act itself contains the specific definition.
Can I revoke a living will in New Mexico?
The document does not address revocation. It focuses on the creation of the directive and the conditions under which it applies. For information on revocation, you would need to consult the New Mexico Right to Die Act or a legal professional.
What is the age of majority in New Mexico for a living will?
The document states that the declarant must have reached the age of majority. In New Mexico, the age of majority is 18. However, the document does not specify the age, so it is best to verify with the act itself.
Is a living will in New Mexico legally enforceable?
The document includes a statement that the declarant wants the wishes carried out to the extent permitted by law. It also acknowledges that insofar as they are not legally enforceable, the declarant hopes those addressed will regard themselves as morally bound. This suggests that the enforceability may be limited, and the act would provide the legal framework.
