title: Living wills--moral directive can cause legal dilemma.
abstract: When recognized by law, the living will, a concept that is growing in popularity, alleviates many difficulties involved in discontinuing the use of life-support equipment for the terminally ill patient. However, without statutory backup, a living will is a mere moral directive that poses liability problems for physicians and hospitals whether they honor it or not.
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Philipps
mesh_terms: D008020:Life Support Care / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D008318:Malpractice; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D014481:United States; D014918:Wills / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*