need living will in Maryland?
I need to prepare a living will which I can be sure will be obeyed if
necessary. Just to make sure I'm using the term "living will"
correctly, what I need is a document that will be obeyed by medical
personnel in the event that its author is incapable of speaking for
him/herself. For example, what extraordinary measures should be taken
to preserve life. This document needs to be valid in the state of
Maryland.
Can anyone recommend a source I can study to make sure I do this
correctly? I've heard that just writing on a sheet of paper what one
wants is not always enough. Sources on the net, in a bookstore, or
anywhere else will do.
Or perhaps is it adivisable to see a lawyer in person instead?
Living wills (which may also be called advance directive
legislation or durable health power of attorney or health care
proxies) are governed by statutes in most cases. Although these
statutes do not provide the exclusive means by which you may
validly express your wishes, they provide the most reliable
means.
That said, they may not be followed in every case by every
physician. Often, emergency response personnel may not (by
choice or by mandate) follow (or even have access to) your living
will. And, if you appoint one to carry through your wishes in
the event you are unable to, that individual may not be around at
the time or may decline the responsibility during the critical
time. My point - nothing guarantees your wishes will be
followed. However, you should first consult an attorney who has
regularly prepared these. Second, you should make sure your
physician has a copy (as well as placing a copy in your medical
record of a hospital near you where you have been a patient.
I am admitted to practice law in PA & NJ, and therefore am
unfamiliar with (and cannot advise you on) MD law. I'd be happy,
though to refer you to someone who could help.