Life Sustaining Statute, Missouri
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 Missouri, it is a general legal form.
Life Sustaining Statute, Missouri
Declaration in Conformance with Missouri Statutes 459.015
I have the primary right to make my own decisions concerning treatment that might unduly prolong the dying process. By this declaration I express to my physician, family and friends my intent. If I should have a terminal condition it is my desire that my dying not be prolonged by administration of death-prolonging procedures. If my condition is terminal and I am unable to participate in decisions regarding my medical treatment, I direct that my attending physician to withhold or withdraw medical procedures that merely prolong the dying process and are not necessary to my comfort or to alleviate pain. It is not my intent to authorize affirmative or deliberate acts or omissions to shorten my life rather only to permit the natural process of dying.
Signed this ____________________ day of _______________
________________________________________________________________
Signature: __________________
City of residence: __________
County of residence: ________
State of residence: _________
The Declarant is known to me, is eighteen years of age or older, of sound mind and voluntarily signed this document in my presence.
________________________________________________________________Witness
Address:
________________________________________________________________
Witness
Address:Declaration in Conformance with Missouri Statutes 459.015
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 Missouri. 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 Missouri life sustaining statute?
The Missouri life sustaining statute, found at Section 459.015 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, allows individuals to execute a declaration expressing their right to make decisions about medical treatment that might unduly prolong the dying process. This declaration is a legal document that informs physicians, family, and friends of the declarant's intent. It specifically addresses the withholding or withdrawal of death-prolonging procedures when the declarant has a terminal condition and cannot participate in medical decisions.
How do I make a declaration under Missouri's life sustaining statute?
To make a declaration, you must sign a document that conforms with Missouri Statutes 459.015. The declaration should state your primary right to make your own decisions concerning treatment that might unduly prolong the dying process and express your intent to your physician, family, and friends. It must be signed and dated in the presence of a witness who attests that you are known to them, are eighteen years of age or older, of sound mind, and voluntarily signed the document.
What does a Missouri life sustaining declaration allow me to do?
A Missouri life sustaining declaration allows you to direct your attending physician to withhold or withdraw medical procedures that merely prolong the dying process and are not necessary for your comfort or to alleviate pain. This applies if you have a terminal condition and are unable to participate in decisions regarding your medical treatment. The declaration does not authorize affirmative or deliberate acts or omissions to shorten your life; it only permits the natural process of dying.
Who can witness a Missouri life sustaining declaration?
The witness must know the declarant, confirm that the declarant is eighteen years of age or older, of sound mind, and voluntarily signed the document in their presence. The statute does not specify any other qualifications for the witness. The witness signs the declaration to attest to these facts.
When does a Missouri life sustaining declaration take effect?
A Missouri life sustaining declaration takes effect if you have a terminal condition and are unable to participate in decisions regarding your medical treatment. At that point, your attending physician is directed to withhold or withdraw medical procedures that merely prolong the dying process and are not necessary for your comfort or to alleviate pain. The declaration does not apply if you are able to participate in decisions.
What is a terminal condition under Missouri's life sustaining statute?
The article does not define the term "terminal condition." However, it indicates that a terminal condition is a prerequisite for the declaration to take effect. In the context of the statute, it likely refers to a condition from which death is imminent.
Does a Missouri life sustaining declaration allow euthanasia or assisted suicide?
No, the declaration explicitly states that it is not the declarant's intent to authorize affirmative or deliberate acts or omissions to shorten life. The purpose is only to permit the natural process of dying by withholding or withdrawing death-prolonging procedures. Therefore, it does not allow euthanasia or assisted suicide.
What information must be included in a Missouri life sustaining declaration?
The declaration must include a statement of your primary right to make your own decisions concerning treatment that might unduly prolong the dying process. It should express your intent to your physician, family, and friends, and if you have a terminal condition, your desire that dying not be prolonged by administration of death-prolonging procedures. It must also direct your attending physician to withhold or withdraw medical procedures that merely prolong the dying process and are not necessary for your comfort or to alleviate pain, and clarify that you do not authorize affirmative or deliberate acts or omissions to shorten your life. The document must be signed and dated, and include your city, county, and state of residence, along with a witness attestation.
Is a Missouri life sustaining declaration the same as a living will?
The article does not use the term "living will." However, a Missouri life sustaining declaration is a type of advance directive that allows you to express your wishes regarding end-of-life medical treatment. It is similar to a living will in that it directs the withholding or withdrawal of death-prolonging procedures under certain conditions.
Can I revoke a Missouri life sustaining declaration?
The article does not address revocation. The statute may have provisions for revocation, but they are not included in the supplied text. You should consult the full statute or a legal professional for information on revoking a declaration.
