title: The living will: legal and ethical perspectives.
abstract: Problems surrounding issues of dying and death are many. Health professionals, families and individuals all must cope with different aspects of these problems. The living will has been discussed as one way people can alleviate many of the problems associated with the decision to die with dignity. Nurses are in the perfect position to educate people concerning the benefits of having a living will. As patient advocate, it is imperative nurses be apprised of the laws in their states regarding living wills. By initiating a living will, individuals can make their wishes known to both family and the medical establishment. Increased public education concerning state living will legislation and concomitant rights under these laws is needed. Through education, many of the legal and ethical issues that arise from ignorance of the law may be avoided before they become problems.
authors.affiliation: Georgia State University, School of Nursing, Atlanta 30302-4019.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Wold
mesh_terms: D016223:Advance Directives / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D004993:Ethics, Nursing; D006801:Humans; D016224:Living Wills / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D013405:Suicide / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence