§ 15-18-112 — Application of article

(1) Nothing in this article shall be
construed as altering or amending the standards of the practice of medicine or
nursing or establishing any presumption, absent a valid declaration, nor as
condoning, authorizing, or approving euthanasia or mercy killing, nor as permitting
any affirmative or deliberate act or omission to end life, except to permit natural
death as provided in this article. Nothing in this article shall require the provision or
continuation of medical treatment contrary to the standards of the practice of
medicine.

(2) A diagnosis of persistent vegetative state shall be performed by a
qualified medical professional according to standards of the practice of medicine.
Nothing in this article shall be interpreted to define persistent vegetative state in
contradiction of standards of the practice of medicine.

(3) In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this article, or a
declaration executed under this article, and the provisions of section 15-14-501, the
provisions of this article and the declaration shall prevail.

(4) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (3) of this section, a
declarant may include within the declaration or within any power of attorney
executed by the declarant a written statement to the effect that the agent under
power of attorney may override the provisions of the declaration.

Legislative History

Source: L. 2010: Entire article R&RE, (HB 10-1025), ch. 113, p. 381, � 1, effective August 11.