A living will
A living will is a patient’s expression of their wishes concerning future care. If a patient wants to express their wishes regarding care for the future, for example in the event of a sudden accident or unconsciousness, clear documentation confirmed by the patient themselves must be made in their medical records, or a separate document expressing the patient’s wishes must be attached to them. In a living will, the patient may, for example, forbid resuscitation.
A living will is relevant in a situation where the patient is no longer competent or able, due to a serious illness, accident or similar reason, to express their wishes concerning their own care to the attending physician. Under the Act on the Status and Rights of Patients, the patient has the right to refuse treatment once they have received information from a health care professional about the significance of the refusal for their health. Documentation must be made in the medical records of the fact that the patient has been given a sufficient explanation of the effects that may result from complying with their wishes. The patient’s wishes must be respected and followed.
A living will and an organ donation testament can be submitted in MyKanta. A living will and organ donation testament are stored in the Patient Data Repository, and this information can be used in Soite’s patient data system through Kela’s information management service.