if a person has a living will (a DNR order) does it become void in the case of suicide? if you dont know, where can i find the answer?
2006-09-15 06:34:09 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
to marge: i was talking more of an advanced directive. like if they found an unconcious attempted suicide and the advanced directived specifically stated no heroics that was signed and witnessed 3 months prior.
2006-09-15 06:50:29 · update #1
You know, I looked extensively, and I couldn't figure out the answer. In general, I would say that it depends on the state you live in. Some DNR orders are specific to the disease they are dying from, so if they try to commit suicide or get hit by a car, you can still treat them. Others are more general. From a medic's standpoint, I would say to call the medical control doctor, and get his opinion. Remember, do not resuscitate does not mean do not treat! If they overdosed on narcotics, and you can fix that by giving an injection of Narcan, then I would do it!
On one hand, the patient has a terminal disease and obviously is OK with dying (the DNR makes that clear)
On the other hand, the DNR usually requires the patient to be of sound mind (although I think there are exceptions for elderly demented patiens), and if the patient is attempting suicide, then they are theoretically not of sound mind.
Also, you don't know if it was suicide, or an accidental death.
It's a hard call to make, that's for sure.
2006-09-15 06:45:21 · answer #1 · answered by rita_alabama 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It would depend on the state law, and how that law is interpreted.
I would suspect that the DNR would need to be legally followed, if it was made when the person was of "sound mind", even if the medical crisis itself was induced by suicide.
But I'd also suspect that the DNR could be set aside if made in such a mental or emotional state that the person was deemed to lack the mental capacity to form the proper legal intent. So, if it was written as part of the suicide, it would probably be set aside.
2006-09-15 13:45:41 · answer #2 · answered by coragryph 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As long as the person was competent when signing the advanced directive, then it is still valid. The hospital must honor a DNR order even in the case of a suicide, unless the doctor states otherwise.
2006-09-15 13:38:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well if you are dead why would you need a DNR or Living Will or advanced directive.
2006-09-15 13:46:56 · answer #4 · answered by marge8710 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It does
2006-09-18 13:27:28 · answer #5 · answered by Holice 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋