The signed forms would help to reinforce a common-law principle
Terminally ill patients and those in a persistent vegetative state should be able to state in advance on a form whether they wish to live or die, the Law Reform Commission proposed yesterday.
They could be 'reasonably assured' that their decisions would be carried out, the commission said.
In a report on decision-making for patients with no hope of recovery, the commission argued against a legislative approach, but proposed issuing a form for people to sign, stating their intentions when they are still healthy.
The form would help reinforce a common-law principle under which individuals may, while capable, give directions on their future health care once they no longer have the capacity to make such decisions.
The lack of an agreed form had created doubts over whether patients' wishes would be carried out, the commission said. A draft standard form issued by the commission yesterday would allow people to direct doctors on whether to resuscitate them. It would require the presence of two witnesses, including a medical practitioner. The commission called on the government to promote the practice.