Kenneth Vercammen, Esq is Chair of the ABA Elder Law Committee and presents seminars to attorneys and the public on Wills, Probate and other legal topics related to Estate Planning and Elder law. He is author of the ABA's book "Wills and Estate Administration. Kenneth Vercammen & Associates,
2053 Woodbridge Avenue - Edison, NJ 08817
(732) 572-0500 More information at www.njlaws.com/

Sunday, February 08, 2009

26:2H-59. Conditions under which advance directive becomes operative
7. a. An advance directive becomes operative when (1) it is transmitted to the attending physician or to the health care institution, and (2) it is determined pursuant to section 8 of this act that the patient lacks capacity to make a particular health care decision.

b. Treatment decisions pursuant to an advance directive shall not be made and implemented until there has been a reasonable opportunity to establish, and where appropriate confirm, a reliable diagnosis and prognosis for the patient.