§ 16-36-7-1 — General provisions

(a) A death as a result of the withholding or
withdrawal of life prolonging procedures in accordance with:
(1) a declarant's advance directive; or
(2) any provision of this chapter;
does not constitute a suicide.
(b) This chapter does not authorize euthanasia or any affirmative or
deliberate act or omission to end life other than to permit the natural
process of dying.
(c) This chapter does not establish the only legal means that an
individual may use to:
(1) communicate or confirm the individual's desires or
preferences to receive or refuse life prolonging treatment or other
health care; or
(2) give one (1) or more other persons authority to consent to
health care or make health care decisions on the individual's
behalf.
(d) This chapter does not affect the consent provisions set forth in:
(1) IC 16-34; or
(2) IC 16-36-1-3.5.
(e) This chapter does not modify any requirements or procedures
under IC 33-42 concerning the performance of valid notarial acts.
(f) Nothing in this chapter prohibits a health care provider from
relying on a document that:
(1) is signed by an adult who has not been determined to be
incapacitated; and
(2) in the context of the relevant circumstances, clearly
communicates the individual's intention to give one (1) or more
specified persons authority to consent to health care or make
health care decisions on the individual's behalf.

Legislative History

As added by P.L.50-2021, SEC.63.