Living Will
A "living will" is a term which is familiar from our daily life. This document contains provisions for future medical care, usually in regard to the extension of life by artificial means. The underlying purpose is to enable one to express in advance any desires in regard to which, if any, artificial means should be used to prolong their life, in a legally binding document, to be used in the event that when the time comes, that person will be unable to express their wishes by themselves.
In Israel, the Rights of a Dying Person Law, 5755-2005, which was amended in 2009, is intended to provide a response to this need and to enable instructions to be given in this matter.
Appendix A of this law is a form which contains details of the kinds of treatment which are currently known to extend life. The law requires the person making the will to first receive a comprehensive explanation of the possible medical conditions and situations listed therein, from a physician or a registered nurse, before filling out and signing the form. The form must be signed, in the presence of two witnesses, and then deposited at the Ministry of Health in order for it to be valid.
Appendix B of the law is a power of attorney form, in which the testator may authorize a trusted person, to give instructions to the medical staff, according to the provisions of the testator in Appendix A.
These appendices enable a legally binding Living Will to be drafted in Israel.