Patientenverfügung und Vorsorgevollmacht

The developments in modern medicine increasingly allow for the preservation or extension of life. However, it remains questionable whether extending life at any cost is desirable for the patient. Strengthening the patient's right to self-determination plays an important role in the current ethical and legal discussions regarding issues at the end of life. This paper presents instruments such as advance directives and powers of attorney to enhance the right to self-determination. In addition to an introduction on the current refusal of treatment, the legal situation before and after the enactment of the Advance Directive Act and the 2006 Amendment to the Guardianship Law is outlined, along with the criticism that has arisen regarding these laws. It follows with an overview of further changes in guardianship law and the newly introduced representation of relatives. Additionally, the paper takes a look at the legal situation in Slovenia and Hungary.