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Living Will Declaration Form - Louisiana
The Louisiana Living Will Declaration Form - 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. The form was released by the Louisiana Secretary of State on January 1, 2018 , and is available for download below.
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.
A Louisiana Living Will is regulated by § 1151.1(4) of Title 40 (Public Health and Safety) . According to the law, the declaration may be written, oral or nonverbal and must be made by the declarant in the presence of two (2) witnesses.
What Is a Louisiana Living Will?
A Living Will is a legal form that lets all participating parties know about the kind of medical care and palliative care a patient wishes to receive. When creating a will, the individual will be deciding on the types of care that they are willing to receive and the types of medical care they will not be receiving. For example, some people choose to not be resuscitated if they stop breathing while in a coma, while others choose to remain on life support.
An individual can print out a basic Living Will template with or without the assistance of an attorney. The document may be revoked in writing or orally, by either the patient (the person making the will) or by a designated proxy (the person elected to make healthcare-related decisions for the patient).
How to Make a Living Will in Louisiana?
A Louisiana Living Will template commonly includes the kinds of medical procedures administered to patients who are seriously ill. These include the following:
- The transfusion of blood and blood products;
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation;
- Diagnostic tests;
- Dialysis;
- The administration of drugs - specifically pain medication, food, and water;
- Tissue and organ donation;
- The use of a respirator;
- Surgery.
A patient has to print out their will in several copies. It is recommended to keep the original with the other important paperwork where a family member or agent may expect to find them. The copies of the Living Will must be handed out to the medical professionals and relatives tasked with either administering the treatment or executing the will.
