Living Wills contain instructions regarding medical treatment in the event of terminal illness or permanent unconsciousness. They must be signed in the presence of two witnesses OR a notary. The signer must be mentally competent.
Under no circumstance may an Ohioan be denied comfort care. Comfort care is defined as the minimum amount of care administered to alleviate pain and suffering but not to prolong life.
Perhaps equally important, Ohio law creates a list of persons who have the highest priority in making health care decisions in the absence of a Living Will. If there is no guardian, the decision may be made by a spouse. If there is no spouse, the majority of the adult children may decide. If there are no children, then the decision falls to the patient’s parents. If there are no parents, the majority of adult siblings may direct the health care.
When a patient with no Living Will becomes terminally ill or permanently unconscious, the wishes of the patient must be followed. If his or her wishes are not known, the decision must be consistent with the patient’s wishes as inferred from his or her character and lifestyle. The decision maker may even elect to withhold or withdraw food and water under very specific circumstances. State approved forms can be found at proseniors.org in their Law Library.
Wood + Lamping is a full-service law firm that has been representing Cincinnati families and businesses since 1927. W+L is a law firm that solves problems. As a GECU member, you are entitled to an initial consultation with a W+L lawyer at no cost. Learn more here: gecreditunion.org/legalservices
Wood + Lamping—your trusted legal partner. Problems solved.
About the author: Edward Bender practices in W+L’s probate and estate planning practice. If you need a will, trust, any other estate planning document, or any advice on a probate case, Ed is here to solve your problems!