Malta Approves ‘Living Will’ Law: Your Rights & How to Create One

Malta’s Parliament Passes ‘Living Will’ Law: What It Means for You

Imagine this: you’re lying in a hospital bed, unable to communicate, but your family knows exactly what you want because you’ve made it clear in your ‘living will’. This scenario is now a reality in Malta, as Parliament has approved a new law granting patients the right to express their wishes regarding medical treatment.

Understanding Malta’s New ‘Living Will’ Law

Dubbed the ‘Patient’s Rights (Living Wills) Act’, this law allows competent adults to create a ‘living will’, outlining their preferences for medical treatment in case they become incapacitated. The document must be signed in the presence of a notary or a justice of the peace, and it’s valid until the patient revokes or amends it.

But what does this mean for Maltese citizens? Let’s break it down.

Your Rights Under the New Law

With this new law, you now have the right to:

• Decide which treatments you want or don’t want, including life-sustaining treatments like artificial respiration or nutrition.
• Appoint someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you can’t.
• Change or revoke your ‘living will’ at any time, as long as you’re of sound mind.

Think of it like planning your estate, but for your health. It’s about having control over what happens to your body, even when you can’t communicate your wishes.

How to Create a ‘Living Will’

So, you’re ready to create your ‘living will’. Here’s what you need to do:

• Think about your values and beliefs. What’s important to you? What treatments would you refuse?
• Write down your wishes clearly and concisely. You can use the form provided by the Health Ministry or write your own.
• Sign your ‘living will’ in the presence of a notary or a justice of the peace. You can find them at your local notary’s office or the Justice of the Peace Court in Valletta.
• Give a copy to your doctor and keep one at home. It’s also a good idea to give a copy to your next of kin or the person you’ve appointed to make decisions on your behalf.

Remember, this is a personal decision. It’s about what you want, not what others think you should want. So, take your time, think it through, and make your wishes clear.

As Malta’s Health Minister Chris Fearne said, “This law is about respecting the autonomy and dignity of every individual. It’s about giving you the power to decide what happens to your body, even when you can’t speak for yourself.”

So, Malta, it’s time to take control. It’s time to plan for the unexpected. It’s time to create your ‘living will’.