IN THE MATTER OF A.A., AN ALLEGED INCAPACITATED PERSON., 381 N.J. Super. 334

Summary

The patient's living will stated that "in the event my wishes are not clear, my Medical Decision Attorney-In-Fact is authorized to make decisions based upon what he or she know of my wishes." The patient was an involuntarily committed patient at the clinic who suffered from severe depression with psychotic features. The attorney for clinic represented to the court that the patient was not capable of participating in decisions regarding her medical treatment. This position was supported by the patient's attending physician, who also stated that the patient's mental condition and health had declined very rapidly in recent weeks. She viewed ECT as vital to her recovery. Another psychiatrist lent further support to the request for ECT. The attorney appointed for the patient agreed that ECT was necessary treatment desirable for the patients, and all the patient's family members agreed. The court determined that the living will constituted sufficient authorization for the administration of ...