Will Laws
New Hampshire
Will Laws
New Hampshire
Here you will find legal terms and their application by state as this can vary depending on where you live.
Reciprocity - The practice of exchanging things with others for mutual benefit, especially privileges granted by one country or organization to another. Certain states will limit the extent to which they honor health care directives(reciprocity) from other states, meaning they will only accept them so far as they comply with their own laws. This creates a bit of a legal grey area, however, most times it doesn't become an issue.
State Law Citation and Title
NH ST § 561:1 to 561:21New Hampshire Statutes, Title LVI, Chapter 561 (Descent, Distribution, and Advancements)
State Law Statute
137-H:1 et seq. Living Wills
Specific Powers
Qualified patient may instruct physician not to use life-sustaining procedures in the event the person is in a terminal condition or is permanently unconscious. “Lifesustaining procedures†means any medical procedure or intervention which utilizes mechanical or artificial means to sustain, restore, or supplant a vital function which would only serve to artificially postpone the moment of death where in the written judgement of the attending and consulting physician, the patient is in a terminal condition or permanently unconscious; does not include medication, sustenance, or performance of any medical procedure to alleviate pain or provide comfort. There must be a clear expression of one’s intent to withdraw or withhold artificial nutrition and hydration.
Revocation Duration
A living will is revocable by:- destroying the document
- oral or written revocation before 2 witnesses.
- Revocation becomes effective immediately upon communication to attending physician
Reciprocity
Documents executed in another state are enforceable if in compliance with the law of that state or jurisdiction. Foreign living wills are restricted by, and must be in compliance with, the laws and requirements of New Hampshire.
Transfer Unwilling
Physician unwilling or unable to comply shall notify and inform the patient and/or patients family. Patient or his family may then request transfer to another physician. Physician shall make necessary arrangements without delay to effect transfer to chosen physician