The Louisiana Living Will is the formal document used to specify your desires surrounding life-ending decisions. When an individual enters a comatose state and a living will (or medical POA) has not been executed, loved ones can feel conflicted with how things should be handled, especially if there are differing opinions between the fellow family members. With the implementation of this instrument, the individual can declare that they wish not to prolong their life should the doctor consider their condition irreversible. To complete the form, users will have to provide the date of execution, their name, whether or not they wish to receive artificial nutrition & hydration, and their signature which is to be performed in front of two (2) witnesses.

(Donate Life Louisiana is an online registry where residents of the state can sign up to be organ donors.)

Laws

Statutes – RS 40:1151 et seq.

Definition – “Declaration” means a witnessed document, statement, or expression voluntarily made by the declarant, authorizing the withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining procedures, in accordance with the requirements of this Subpart. A declaration may be made in writing, orally, or by other means of nonverbal communication. (§ 1151.1(4))

Statutory Form – § 1151.2(C)(1)

Signing Requirements – Acknowledgment of Two (2) Witnesses (§ 1151.2(A)(2))

Revocation – § 1151.3