SOC-3100 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Preventive Healthcare, Health Promotion, Medigap
Document Summary
Courts rely on this kind of standard to determine when it is proper to withhold or withdraw life sustaining treatment from the incompetent patients. First important right to die law passed was the california natural death act in 1976. A legal term referring to the ability to make decisions. A patient who is legally incompetent if one who cannot make decisions for him/herself. Capacity is a medical term referring to the ability to make decisions. A patient who lacks decisional capacity is one who cannot make decisions for him/herself. May be a temporary or permanent state. The dying person"s bill of rights states that individuals have the right to personal dignity and privacy; informed participation, including having their end-of-life choices respected by health care professionals; considerate, respectful service, and competent care. Euthanasia (active/passive) act of causing death (active euthanasia) or allowing death (passive euthanasia) of hopelessly sick or injured individuals in a relatively painless way.
