What Is A Life Support System?

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What Is A Life Support System?

A "life support system" is a form of treatment that only delays the time of your death or maintains you in a state of permanent unconsciousness. Life support systems may include among other things devices such as respirators and dialysis; cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); food and fluids supplied by artificial means, such as feeding tubes and intravenous fluids. It does not include normal feeding and fluids, such as by hand or straw or medications such as antibiotics in special circumstances.

Other Connecticut Estate Planning FAQs

Q: Do I Have The Right To Make Health Care Decisions?
A: Yes. Adult patients in Connecticut have the right to determine what, if any, medical treatment they will receive. As a capable adult, you may agree to treatment that … More
Q: Do I Have The Right To Information Needed To Make A Health Care Decision?
A: Yes. Physicians have the responsibility to provide patients with information that can help them to make a decision. Your physician will explain what treatments may … More
Q: What Is An Advance Directive?
A: An advance directive is a legal document through which you may provide your directions or wishes as to your medical care. It is used when you are unable to make or … More
Q: Must I Have An Advance Directive?
A: No. You do not have to make a living will or other type of advance directive to receive medical care or to be admitted to a hospital, nursing home or other health care … More
Q: What Is A Living Will?
A: A living will is a document that states whether you wish to have administered life sustaining procedures or treatment should you be in a terminal condition or … More
Q: Will I Receive Medication For Pain If I Have A Living Will?
A: Yes. A living will does not affect the provision of pain medication or care designed solely to maintain your physical comfort (for example, care designed to maintain … More
Q: What Is A Health Care Agent?
A: A health care agent is a person whom you authorize in writing to convey your wishes concerning whether you wish to withhold or withdraw life support systems. The agent … More
Q: What Is An Attorney-In-Fact For Health Care Decisions?
A: An attorney-in-fact for health care decisions is a person whom you name in a document called a durable power of attorney, to make medical decisions other … More
Q: What Is A Conservator?
A: A "conservator of the person" is someone appointed by the Probate Court when the Court finds that a person is incapable of caring for himself/herself including the … More
Q: What Advance Directives Should I Have?
A: If you want to be sure that your wishes about your medical care are known if you cannot express them yourself, you should have a living will, a health care agent and … More