2005 Idaho Code - 39-4508 — STATEMENT OF POLICY

                                  TITLE  39
                              HEALTH AND SAFETY
                                  CHAPTER 45
                  THE MEDICAL CONSENT AND NATURAL DEATH ACT
    39-4508.  STATEMENT OF POLICY. For purposes of sections 39-4508 through
39-4514, Idaho Code:
    (1)  The legislature finds that adult persons have the fundamental right
to control the decisions relating to the rendering of their medical care,
including the decision to have life-sustaining procedures withheld or
withdrawn. The legislature further finds that modern medical technology has
made possible the artificial prolongation of human life beyond natural limits.
The legislature further finds that patients are sometimes unable to express
their desire to withhold or withdraw such artificial life prolongation
procedures which provide nothing medically necessary or beneficial to the
patient because of the patient's inability to communicate with the physician.
    (2)  In recognition of the dignity and privacy which patients have a right
to expect, the legislature hereby declares that the laws of this state shall
recognize the right of a competent person to have his wishes for medical
treatment and for the withdrawal of artificial life-sustaining procedures
carried out even though that person is no longer able to communicate with the
physician.
    (3)  It is the intent of the legislature to establish an effective means
for such communication. It is not the intent of the legislature that the
procedures described in this chapter are the only effective means of such
communication, and nothing in this chapter shall impair or supersede any legal
right or legal responsibility which a person may have to effect the
withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining procedures in any lawful manner.
Any authentic expression of a person's wishes with respect to health care
should be honored.