A final plan has been drafted regarding the basic principles for terminating life-sustaining treatment.

The plan, drafted by the Health Ministry’s National Evidence-based Healthcare Collaborating Agency, allows for the rejection of cardiopulmonary resuscitation or artificial respirators if terminally ill patients have given prior written consent to do so.

The final plan is similar in content to a rough draft that was initially released. However, unlike the first draft, the final plan states that life-sustaining treatment for brain-dead patients is not appropriate. The final draft also excludes part of the rough draft which made the signing of a medical directive mandatory for patients who wish to be removed from life support.

According to the agreement, at least two medical experts must confirm the patient's terminal state. In case of a conflict between experts and patients, hospital ethics committees will make the final decision.

The agreement also bans the use of euthanasia or doctor-assisted suicide, even if life support is removed.

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