Creating a Living Will to Become More Simple

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Creating a "living will" should be simpler for Utahns starting next year. Governor Jon Huntsman Junior signed into law changes recommended by the Utah Commission on Aging. Executive Director Maureen Henry says the commission's goal was to make it possible for people to write a living will without having to consult an attorney.

In the past, the process required completing several forms. Those have been combined into one, which offers multiple options for dealing with the end of one's life. A person can either appoint someone to make the final decision; request that everything be done to save his or her life; or ask that nothing be done.

The Utah Commission on Aging developed the new form after considering the high-profile case of Terry Schiavo, as well as new technologies and treatments that have made end-of-life decisions more complex. Beginning in January, the new forms will be available at hospitals and in various state and county health agencies.

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