Harefuah
-
Since time immemorial the attitude toward the dying patient has been one of the most difficult issues in medical ethics. The diversity of philosophical, religious, social and legal approaches does not enable one to reach a universal consensus to solve the many problems involved in end-of-life decisions. Within the health care system in Israel there is currently no consensual practice concerning the dying patient. ⋯ It establishes a clear position on euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide, withdrawing treatment and withholding treatment. It establishes a hierarchy of decision-making agents, and it validates advanced medical directives. It also promotes a legally-binding requirement of modern palliative care.