2944                                          LAWS OF MARYLAND                                      Ch. 619

Approved May 28, 1985.

CHAPTER 620

(House Bill 453)

AN ACT concerning

Life-Sustaining Procedures

FOR the purpose of providing that under certain conditions any
person may voluntarily execute a declaration directing that
certain procedures be withheld or withdraw in the event of
a terminal condition initiated, continued, withdrawn, or
withheld under certain circumstances; providing that certain
actions be taken with respect to a declaration; providing a
format and procedures for executing and revoking a
declaration; exempting certain persons from certain
liability and professional misconduct if the person
maintains certain standards; imposing certain liability and
providing certain penalties for violations of the provisions
of this Act; defining certain terms; and generally relating
to the use of life-sustaining procedures in this State.

BY adding to

Article - Health - General

Section 5-601 through 5-613 5-614 to be under the new

subtitle "Subtitle 6. Life-Sustaining Procedures"
Annotated Code of Maryland
(1982 Volume and 1984 Supplement)

Preamble

WHEREAS, The sanctity of life is of the foremost importance
to all; and

WHEREAS, It is the fundamental right of competent adults,
based on the autonomy and sanctity of the individual, to control
decisions relating to the rendering of their medical care and
treatment; and

WHEREAS, This right includes control over decisions
concerning artificial and extraordinary procedures available for
the purpose of prolonging their life if they are irreversibly
ill; and

WHEREAS, Modern medical technological procedures make
possible the prolongation of human life beyond natural limits;

and