Define: Cui In Vita

Cui In Vita is a Latin phrase that translates to “who in life.” It is often used in legal contexts to refer to the question of who has the right to make decisions about a person’s life, particularly in cases involving medical treatment or end-of-life decisions.

In most cases, you have the authority to make decisions about your own medical treatment. However, if you are unable to make decisions due to incapacity, the authority may shift to a designated healthcare proxy or a court-appointed guardian.

Yes, you can appoint a healthcare proxy or create a durable power of attorney for healthcare to designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.

In general, family members do not have automatic authority to make medical decisions for you. However, if you have not designated a healthcare proxy or power of attorney, family members may be involved in the decision-making process, particularly if they are close relatives.

Yes, you have the right to refuse medical treatment, even life-saving treatment, as long as you are deemed competent to make such decisions. However, there may be certain exceptions, such as when the refusal poses a significant risk to public health or safety.

In some cases, if your healthcare provider believes that your decision to refuse treatment is not in your best interest or is based on inadequate information, they may seek a court order to override your decision. However, this is typically a rare occurrence and requires a thorough evaluation of the situation.

Yes, you can change your healthcare proxy or advance directive at any time, as long as you are deemed competent to do so. It is important to regularly review and update these documents to ensure they reflect your current wishes.

If your healthcare provider fails to follow your documented wishes, they may be held liable for medical malpractice or negligence. However, it is important to consult with a legal professional to understand the specific laws and requirements in your jurisdiction.

If you believe that someone else’s authority to make medical decisions is not in the best interest of the person in question or is based on improper grounds, you may be able to challenge their authority in court. It is advisable to consult with an attorney who specialises in healthcare law to understand the legal options available to you.