Connecticut General Statutes 19a-578 – Proof of living will document or document appointing health care representative. Physician to make documents and oral communications re health care and withdrawal of life support systems part of medical record
(a) Any or all of the attesting witnesses to any living will document or any document appointing a health care representative may, at the request of the declarant, make and sign an affidavit before any officer authorized to administer oaths in or out of this state, stating such facts as they would be required to testify to in court to prove such living will. The affidavit shall be written on the living will document, or if that is impracticable, on some paper attached thereto. The sworn statement of any such witness so taken shall be accepted by a court of competent jurisdiction as if it had been taken before such court.
Terms Used In Connecticut General Statutes 19a-578
- Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
- Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
- Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
- Testify: Answer questions in court.
(b) A physician or other health care provider who is furnished with a copy of a written living will or appointment of health care representative shall make it a part of the declarant’s medical record. A physician or other health care provider shall also record in the patient’s medical record any oral communication concerning any aspect of the patient’s health care, including the withholding or withdrawal of life support systems, made by the patient directly to the physician or other health care provider or to the patient’s health care representative, legal guardian, conservator, next-of-kin or person designated in accordance with § 1-56r.