Federal Guidelines for Living Wills
A living will outlines the medical treatment instructions a person has for a physician when he experiences an illness or incapacitation. The requirements for living wills vary by state, but certain federal guidelines apply to all living wills.
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Health Agencies
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All hospitals and other health facilities must have written policies regarding living wills. They must also give written information to people about lawful rights and policies for acting on them. Health agencies must comply with all state laws regarding living wills.
Legality
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A person does not need a lawyer to create a legally binding living will. In order to make it legal, she needs to have two adults not related to her sign the document as witnesses. The witnesses cannot be beneficiaries or directly involved with her health care providers.
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Considerations
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A person's living will can only take effect when his physician knows he has one. He should tell his doctor about his living will and discuss treatments so the doctor can answer any questions he may have about certain treatments so he can amend his living will if necessary.
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