Patientenverfügung

Any person can find themselves in a situation where they are no longer able to express an opinion on medical measures as a result of an accident or medical intervention. The living will promotes self-determination and relieves the burden on relatives by appointing a preferred person as the decision-maker and providing them with guidelines for decisions (e.g. organ donation yes/no and/or life-sustaining measures yes/no).

The original living will cannot be physically deposited with a third party, but must be kept at home in a safe place. However, the family doctor can be provided with a copy. It is also recommended that you carry a note card in your wallet stating where it should be kept.

Any person who is capable of judgment can draw up a living will. Any natural person (including any substitute persons) can be appointed.

The person decides in accordance with the legal cascade order, whereby this person must weigh up and decide on the content themselves. This is particularly problematic if this person does not know the ideas and wishes of the person concerned. A living will would relieve the burden on relatives.