Terms Used In Louisiana Children's Code 1556

  • Child: means a person under eighteen years of age who has not been judicially emancipated under Civil Code Article 385 or emancipated by marriage under Civil Code Articles 379 through 384. See Louisiana Children's Code 1552
  • Declaration: means a written and witnessed document voluntarily made by the declarant, authorizing the withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining procedures for a child, in accordance with the requirements of this Chapter. See Louisiana Children's Code 1552
  • 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.

If a child has been certified as required by Article 1555, the child’s parent or his guardian may make a declaration to document the decision concerning the withholding or withdrawal of medical treatment or life-sustaining procedures on the child’s behalf, except where either:

(1)  The parent or guardian has actual notice of contrary indications by the affected child.

(2)  The parent or guardian has actual notice of opposition to the decision by the other parent or by the child’s guardian.

Acts 1991, No. 235, §15, eff. Jan. 1, 1992.