QLD Advanced Health Directive - Can Doctor Ignore?

[phillip cole]

Hello I have a legal question regarding an advanced health directive.

Does a doctor have the right to ignore an advanced health directive if it is to resuscitate a person, even if the advanced health directive states not to resuscitate? What is the law regarding this if the doctor feels it is in the patient's best interest, he can ignore it. What is the law?

Hope to get a response thanks.

 

[Sophea]

Hi Philip,

Short answer, (though not particularly helpful) is that it depends upon the situation. Here is the link to the QLd Health implementation protocol / guideline. You may find what you are looking for in it.
https://www.health.qld.gov.au/qhpolicy/docs/gdl/qh-gdl-005-1-1.pdf