(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 19a-571, 19a-572, 19a-575, 19a-575a, 19a-577, 19a-580a and 19a-580b, comfort care and pain alleviation shall be provided in all cases.
(b) Any document executed prior to October 1, 1991, in accordance with section 19a-575, revision of 1958, revised to January 1, 1991, and section 19a-575a shall not be invalidated by any provision of public act 91-283*. Any document executed prior to October 1, 1991, shall not be presumed to prohibit withholding or withdrawal of life support systems as defined in section 19a-570, revision of 1958, revised to January 1, 1991, unless such prior document specifically addresses such withholding or withdrawal.
(P.A. 85-606, S. 4; P.A. 91-283, S. 4; P.A. 93-407, S. 7; P.A. 18-11, S. 3.)
*Note: Public act 91-283 is entitled “An Act Concerning Living Wills”. (See Reference Table captioned “Public Acts of 1991” in Volume 16 which lists the sections amended, created or repealed by the act.)
History: P.A. 91-283 added provision re validity of document executed prior to October 1, 1991, and presumption re withholding or withdrawal of life support systems; P.A. 93-407 added references to Sec. 19a-575a; P.A. 18-11 amended Subsec. (a) by deleting reference to Sec. 19a-574, effective May 24, 2018.
Cited. 209 C. 692.
Structure Connecticut General Statutes
Title 19a - Public Health and Well-Being
Chapter 368w - Removal of Life Support Systems and Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment
Section 19a-570. - Definitions.
Section 19a-572. - Failure to execute document creates no presumption re wishes of patient.
Section 19a-574. - Nonapplicability to pregnant patient.
Section 19a-576. - Appointment of health care representative.
Section 19a-577. - Form of document re appointment of health care representative.
Section 19a-579a. - Revocation of living will. Absence of knowledge of revocation.
Section 19a-580. - Notification of certain persons prior to removal of life support system.
Section 19a-580d. - Do not resuscitate orders. Definition. Regulations.
Section 19a-580g. - Validity of advance directives executed in other states or foreign countries.
Section 19a-580h. - Medical orders for life-sustaining treatment program. Regulations.
Section 19a-580i. - Medical orders for life-sustaining treatment advisory council.