End-of-life care planning from a legal perspective

Bei Verlust der Einwilligungsfahigkeit und damit der Moglichkeit, den eigenen Willen selbst rechtsgultig zu erklaren, sieht das Gesetz eine fremdbestimmende Vertretung fur den Patienten vor. Deren Ausgestaltung kann praventiv beeinflusst werden, wozu den Betroffenen drei Optionen an die Hand gegeben sind. Der Beitrag bietet eine praxisorientierte ubersicht zur adaquaten Vorsorge und fasst die Voraussetzungen aus juristischer Perspektive pragnant zusammen. Abstract In the event of the loss of the ability to give consent and thus the possibility of legally validating one's own will, the law regularly provides for a mandatory third-party representation for the patient. However, their design can be influenced preventively, for which purpose those affected are given three options. These options are: patient's decree, health Power of Attorney, guardianship order. The patient's decree makes content related specifications as to which medical interventions are accepted or not accepted in which illnesses. Health Power of Attorney authorizes another person to make the necessary treatment decisions on behalf of the patient and guardianship order relates solely to the case of a possible guardianship appointment by the guardianship court. The written form of the advance directives forms an objective basis for mutual control of future decision-makers in the event of questions of interpretation. Absolute certainty that the current will of the patient corresponds to the future and that it is reliably determined and implemented in the decision-making situation is not possible. Nevertheless, the task is to come as close as possible to this ideal image in clinical reality.