Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2011
Abstract
In times of need, what portal or place could we go to easily to retrieve a person's advance directives when we have need to employ and use them? A handful of states have come up with a solution. Nevada, Washington, and Vermont now have legislation in place that allow citizens of those states to electronically store their advance directives on the internet -in an electronic lockbox or portal of sorts. These states have addressed a critical need of their citizens: the need to have their advance directives accessible and readily available to health care providers so that their intent and wishes will be honored.
This Article advocates that other states follow the lead of Nevada, Washington, and Vermont by adopting similar legislation and embracing digital or electronic technology by creating Internet "lockboxes," registries, or portals where citizens can store their advance directives and where health care providers can access these advance directives in the most pressing and critical situations.
Recommended Citation
Joseph Karl Grant, The Advance Directive Registry or Lockbox: A Model Proposal and Call to Legislative Action, 37 J. Legis. 81 (2011)