Connecticut Living Will Requirements
Based on CGS §19a-570 through §19a-580i (Chapter 368w: Removal of Life Support Systems)
Quick Summary
- Document type: Living Will
- 2 witnesses required
- Notarization not required
- Ombudsman witness required if signed in a care facility
Witness Requirements
Connecticut requires 2 witnesses who are present when you sign your living will. Witnesses have the following restrictions:
Witness restrictions:
- A witness must be at least eighteen (18) years of age
- A witness cannot be the person appointed as the declarant's health care representative
- For persons residing in a facility operated or licensed by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, at least one witness must not be affiliated with the facility and at least one witness must be a physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or licensed clinical psychologist with specialized training in treating mental illness
- For persons residing in a facility operated or licensed by the Department of Developmental Services, at least one witness must not be affiliated with the facility and at least one witness must be a physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or licensed clinical psychologist with specialized training in developmental disabilities
When Your Living Will Takes Effect
Your Connecticut living will becomes effective when the following conditions are met:
Terminal Illness
A terminal condition is the final stage of an incurable or irreversible medical condition which, without the administration of a life support system, will result in death within a relatively short time, in the opinion of the attending physician.
Persistent Vegetative State
Permanently unconscious means an irreversible condition in which the individual is at no time aware of himself or herself or the environment and shows no behavioral response to the environment. Permanently unconscious includes permanent coma and persistent vegetative state.
Irreversible Condition
Connecticut does not define a separate "irreversible condition" trigger. The two triggering conditions are terminal condition and permanent unconsciousness as defined in CGS 19a-570.
Important Notes for Connecticut
- Connecticut follows Chapter 368w: Removal of Life Support Systems and Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (CGS §19a-570 through §19a-580i)
- A living will must be signed and dated by the declarant in the presence of two adult witnesses who must also sign the document (CGS §19a-575a)
- Notarization is not required but is recommended; witnesses may sign an affidavit before a notary public or other authorized individual to strengthen the document's validity (CGS §19a-578)
- "Life support system" means any medical procedure or intervention which would serve only to postpone the moment of death or maintain the individual in a state of permanent unconsciousness, including artificial means of providing nutrition or hydration
- An operator, administrator, or employee of a hospital, residential care home, rest home with nursing supervision, or chronic and convalescent nursing home may not be appointed as a health care representative by any person who is a patient or resident of that facility at the time of the appointment
- A living will becomes operative when: (1) it is communicated to the attending physician, and (2) the declarant is determined to be in a terminal condition or permanently unconscious
- A declaration may be revoked at any time by the declarant without regard to mental state or competency
How to Revoke
You can revoke your living will at any time, regardless of your mental state, by:
- Physically destroying the document
- Creating a written revocation
- Verbally expressing your intent to revoke (in the presence of a witness)
Important: This tool provides a template for creating a living will based on your state's general requirements. It is not legal advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified attorney. For complex medical situations, blended families, or significant assets, we recommend having an attorney review your document.