An Advance Healthcare Directive, sometimes known as a 'Living will', is a statement about the type and extent of medical or surgical treatment you want in the future, on the assumption that you will not be able to make that decision at the relevant time. There are a number of different words and phrases used to describe advance care directives. In some countries, there is legislation which provides for the recognition and enforcement of such directives and in some cases provides for the way in which they should be made.
The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 provides laws for Advance Healthcare Directives. The Act was signed into law on 30 December 2015 but has not yet been commenced to bring it into effect. This document describes the situation before the Act comes into operation.
An Advance Healthcare Directive may be valid and enforceable because by making such a statement you may have withdrawn your consent to specific medical or surgical treatment. It is not possible to state with absolute certainty that such a directive would be enforced because this depends on exactly what it says and whether or not it addresses the precise circumstances you face.
In some countries it is possible to appoint someone else to make decisions on your behalf if you are not capable of making them yourself. In Ireland this power is granted by creating an Enduring Power of Attorney. An Enduring Power of Attorney however specifically does not allow for the making of healthcare decisions by another person. While you may suggest to your doctor or hospital that the wishes of certain people may be taken into account, you cannot give anyone else any legal right to make decisions about your healthcare. Neither can you ensure that the doctor/hospital will abide by their wishes
The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 provides laws for Advance Healthcare Directives. The Act was signed into law on 30 December 2015 but has not yet been commenced to bring it into effect. This document describes the situation before the Act comes into operation.
An Advance Healthcare Directive may be valid and enforceable because by making such a statement you may have withdrawn your consent to specific medical or surgical treatment. It is not possible to state with absolute certainty that such a directive would be enforced because this depends on exactly what it says and whether or not it addresses the precise circumstances you face.
In some countries it is possible to appoint someone else to make decisions on your behalf if you are not capable of making them yourself. In Ireland this power is granted by creating an Enduring Power of Attorney. An Enduring Power of Attorney however specifically does not allow for the making of healthcare decisions by another person. While you may suggest to your doctor or hospital that the wishes of certain people may be taken into account, you cannot give anyone else any legal right to make decisions about your healthcare. Neither can you ensure that the doctor/hospital will abide by their wishes