Journal of clinical gastroenterology
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Although the right to terminate life-sustaining treatment is clear from the medical, ethical, and moral perspective, the legal methodology is fragmented and variable depending upon the jurisdiction in which you practice. A few general principles do emerge which may be useful for the clinical gastroenterologist. DNR orders may be entered into a patient's orders provided the patient, if competent, or his or her family or guardian, if the patient is incompetent, gives informed consent. ⋯ A hospital or institutional policy regarding termination decision-making is highly desirable. If unsure, legal counsel should be sought before terminating life support. Jurisdictions which define death by both cardiopulmonary and neurologic criteria make the termination decision easier in that brain-dead patients can be removed from life support without risk of liability.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)