Life Sustaining Statute, Iowa
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 Iowa, it is a general legal from.
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.
Life Sustaining Statute, Iowa
Declaration as Provided by Iowa Code 144A.3
DECLARATION OF __________________
If I should have an incurable or irreversible condition that will cause my death within a relatively short time, it is my desire that my life not be prolonged by administration of life-sustaining procedures. If my condition is terminal and 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 _______________, 20_____
Signature: _____________________________________________________
The Declarant is known to me and voluntarily signed this document in my presence.
Witness: __________________________________________________
Address:
Witness: __________________________________________________
Address: Declaration as Provided by Iowa Code 144A.3Review List
This 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 Iowa. 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 Iowa life sustaining statute?
The Iowa life sustaining statute, found in Iowa Code section 144A.3, provides a legal form for a declaration allowing individuals to state their wishes regarding life-sustaining procedures. It enables a person to direct that life-sustaining procedures be withheld or withdrawn if they have an incurable or irreversible condition that will cause death within a relatively short time. The statute includes a specific declaration form that must be signed and witnessed.
How do I write a living will in Iowa?
To write a living will in Iowa, you can use the declaration form provided by Iowa Code 144A.3. The form requires you to state your desire that your life not be prolonged by life-sustaining procedures if you have an incurable or irreversible condition that will cause death within a relatively short time. You must sign and date the declaration in the presence of witnesses who also sign and provide their addresses.
What is the Iowa Code 144A.3 declaration form?
The Iowa Code 144A.3 declaration form is a legal document that allows individuals to declare their wishes regarding life-sustaining procedures. It includes a statement that if the declarant has an incurable or irreversible condition that will cause death within a relatively short time, they do not want their life prolonged by life-sustaining procedures. The form also directs an attending physician to withhold or withdraw procedures that merely prolong the dying process and are not necessary for comfort or freedom from pain.
Who can witness a living will in Iowa?
The Iowa Code 144A.3 declaration form requires the declarant to sign the document in the presence of witnesses. The witnesses must sign the form and provide their addresses. The statute does not specify any restrictions on who may serve as a witness, but it is advisable to choose individuals who are not related to you or involved in your medical care to avoid potential conflicts of interest.
What does the Iowa life sustaining declaration say?
The Iowa life sustaining declaration states that if the declarant has an incurable or irreversible condition that will cause death within a relatively short time, it is their desire that their life not be prolonged by administration of life-sustaining procedures. It further directs the attending physician to withhold or withdraw procedures that merely prolong the dying process and are not necessary for comfort or freedom from pain if the condition is terminal and the declarant is unable to participate in medical treatment decisions.
When does a life sustaining procedure declaration take effect in Iowa?
Under Iowa Code 144A.3, a life sustaining procedure declaration takes effect when the declarant has an incurable or irreversible condition that will cause death within a relatively short time. Additionally, if the condition is terminal and the declarant is unable to participate in decisions regarding medical treatment, the declaration directs the attending physician to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining procedures. The declaration is intended to apply in these specific circumstances.
Is a living will legally binding in Iowa?
Yes, a living will, known as a declaration under Iowa Code 144A.3, is legally binding in Iowa if it is properly executed according to the statute. The declaration must be signed by the declarant and witnessed by two individuals who also sign and provide their addresses. When valid, it directs medical providers to follow the declarant's wishes regarding life-sustaining procedures.
What is the difference between a living will and a life sustaining procedure declaration in Iowa?
In Iowa, the term "life sustaining procedure declaration" refers specifically to the document authorized by Iowa Code 144A.3, which allows individuals to state their wishes about life-sustaining procedures. A "living will" is a broader term often used to describe any document that expresses a person's preferences for end-of-life medical care. In Iowa, the life sustaining procedure declaration serves as the state's statutory living will form.
Can I revoke a life sustaining procedure declaration in Iowa?
The provided article does not address revocation of a life sustaining procedure declaration. For information on revoking a declaration, you should consult the full text of Iowa Code 144A or seek legal advice. Generally, declarations can be revoked by the declarant at any time.
What is the purpose of the review list for the Iowa life sustaining statute?
The review list mentioned in the article is provided to inform individuals about the life sustaining statute document and assist in its preparation. It is described as a simple review list, likely intended to help ensure that the declaration is completed correctly. The article does not provide further details on the specific contents of the review list.
