(a) The provisions of this subtitle are cumulative with existing law regarding an individual’s right to consent or refuse to consent to medical treatment and do not impair any existing rights or responsibilities which a health care provider, a patient, including a minor or incompetent patient, or a patient’s family may have in regard to the provision, withholding, or withdrawal of life-sustaining procedures under the common law or statutes of the State.
(b) A valid living will or durable power of attorney for health care made prior to October 1, 1993 shall be given effect as provided in this article, even if not executed in accordance with the terms of this article.
Structure Maryland Statutes
Subtitle 6 - Health Care Decisions Act
Section 5-601.1 - Electronic Signatures
Section 5-602 - Procedure for Making Advance Directive; Notice to Physician -- Living Wills
Section 5-602.1 - Advance Directive for Mental Health Services
Section 5-603 - Suggested Forms -- Living Wills
Section 5-604 - Revocation of an Advance Directive
Section 5-604.1 - Anatomical Gifts in Advance Directives
Section 5-605 - Surrogate Decision Making
Section 5-606 - Certifications by Physicians
Section 5-607 - Treatment Without Consent
Section 5-608.1 - Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment
Section 5-609 - Immunity From Liability; Burden of Proof; Presumption
Section 5-612 - Petition by Health Care Provider; Court Action
Section 5-615 - Provision of Information
Section 5-615.1 - Electronic Advance Directives -- Duties of Department; Outreach
Section 5-616 - Preservation of Existing Right; Advance Directives Executed Before Effective Date