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Living Will Form - Maryland
A Maryland Living Will - sometimes confused with an Advance Directive - is crucial for patients looking for more control over the medical treatment they would want in the event of incapacitation. When a person falls seriously ill with no hope or recovery, arguments concerning artificial life support or certain treatments can arise amongst their family when trying to decide on an outcome.
With a signed and legal will with all wishes clearly stated, the patient can make pre-plan all procedures regarding palliative care, life support, and life-sustaining treatment. The paperwork should be given careful thought and be talked about with the patient's family, physician, and health care providers since they will be tasked with implementing the specified wishes and procedures.
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A Maryland Living Will is regulated by Title 5 (Death) Subtitle 6 (Health Care Decisions Act) of the Maryland Code and defined in § 5-619 . The written or electronic form must be dated and signed before two witnesses. Any competent individual may serve as a witness.
What Is a Maryland Living Will?
A Living Will is a legal document intended for ensuring and specifying an individual's end-of-life wishes regarding health care and treatment in the event of their permanent or temporary incapacity. Common reasons for a will include a decline in health, the possibility of surgery or hospitalization or getting diagnosed with a terminal condition.
It is a good idea for all adults to have a will even with it not being mandatory. If something were to happen, the medical professionals in charge of treating the individual have the biggest say in what happens to them once they can no longer communicate what they want to be done.
How to Make a Living Will in Maryland?
A basic Living Will template can be completed without a lawyer or an attorney. Generally, all Living Wills in Maryland include the following sections:
- A designation of health care proxy - a third party tasked with making any and all healthcare-related decisions on the patient's behalf.
- General provisions - the general wishes concerning healthcare, custody and medical treatment.
- Life-sustaining medical treatment - provisions regarding life-support, tube feeding, surgeries, antibiotics or medication.
- Comfort and pain relief - the patient may choose any treatment even if it results in hastening the death or a temporary addiction.
- The agent's obligations - the agent must take the patient's personal values to the extent known to them into consideration.
- End of life decisions - including the provisions regarding the withholding or withdrawal of treatment.
- The patient's statement and signature - the patient must certify that they are fully aware and completely understand the contents of the document.
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