Problem
David, who has suffered from ALS for 20 years, is now hospitalized in a private religious hospital on a respirator. He spoke with his physician before he became incapacitated and asked that he be allowed to die if the suffering became too much for him. The physician agreed that, while he would not give David any drugs to assist a suicide, he would discontinue David's respirator if he asked to do so. David has now indicated that through a prearranged code of eye movements that he wants the respirator discontinued. David had signed his living will before he became ill, indicating that he did not want extraordinary means keeping him alive.
The nursing staff has alerted the hospital administrator about the impending discontinuation of the respirator. The administrator tells the physician that this is against the hospital's policy. She states that once a person is placed on a respirator, the family must seek a court order to have him or her removed from this type of life support. In addition, it is against their policy to have staff members present during such as procedure.
After consulting with the family, the physician orders an ambulance to transport the patient back to his home, where the physician discontinues life support.
a) Define the Patient Self-Determinations Acts.
b) What is the difference between a living will and medical durable power of attorney?
c) Explain the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act.