What are the laws regarding end-of-life decisions?

In North Carolina, end-of-life decisions are regulated by laws known as Advance Directives. These laws provide guidance on what should happen if a person becomes incapacitated and cannot make decisions about their health, or if the person has passed away. Advance Directives include documents like Living Wills, which allow you to document your wishes regarding medical treatments, and Durable Powers of Attorney (DPAs), which give someone else you trust the authority to make decisions for you. In addition, North Carolina law also allows for a Health Care Agent (HCA) to be appointed. HCAs are appointed by the patient to make decisions on their behalf regarding end-of-life care if the patient should become incapacitated. North Carolina’s Advance Directive laws also allow you to establish Do Not Resuscitate Orders, which prevent medical professionals from attempting to resuscitate you if you are in a terminal state. Additionally, North Carolina allows you to create Mental Health Treatment Directives, which allow you to express your wishes related to mental health treatments. In order for Advance Directives to be valid in North Carolina, they must be in written form, signed by two witnesses, and notarized. All of the documents must be kept in an easily accessible location. Advance Directives are an important part of Elder Law in North Carolina. They ensure that your wishes regarding end-of-life decisions are respected and followed, even if you cannot make those decisions yourself.

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