QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
This is incorrect; the Mental Capacity Act requires people to specify (in lay or medical terms) the treatment they wish to refuse and they may specify the circumstances, if any, in which that treatment is to be refused.
10034861
e
It does not have to specify which treatments the patient wishes to refuse
QuestionChoice
This is incorrect; while patients may want/benefit from the support of a clinician, there is no legal requirement for this to be the case.
10034858
b
It must be made in front of a doctor
QuestionChoice
This is incorrect; advanced directives often concern life-sustaining treatment. It is important that the advanced decision is written down, signed, and witnessed if this is the case.
10034860
d
It is invalid, as the patient is refusing life-sustaining treatment
QuestionChoice
This is incorrect; if the patient verbalises or indicates that they have changed their mind, their advanced decision no longer stands.
10034859
c
It stands, even if the patient verbally says they have changed their mind
QuestionChoice
This is correct - advanced decisions to refuse treatment that concern life-sustaining measures must be signed by a witness, as well as the patient. Without this, the advanced decision is invalid in law, but this could be considered an advanced statement that could be used to help inform a best interests decision.
10034857
a
It must be signed by a witness
Concept
Chapter
2693
6095
Distinguishing between Advanced Statements and Advanced Decisions
Topic
225
Oncology and Palliative Care
19375
An advanced decision to refuse treatment must be signed by a witness to be legally valid.
A patient with a recent diagnosis of motor neurone disease is admitted to hospital with a suspected subarachnoid haemorrhage.

They were unconscious and were intubated as soon as they arrived in the emergency department.

The patient's wife arrives at the hospital and informs staff that her husband has made an advanced decision to refuse treatment (ADRT), which specifies that he is not to be intubated and ventilated under any circumstances. She asks that he be extubated.

Which of the following is required to ensure the ADRT is valid?
a