The following information was in e-mails I sent out when I heard this
man's life was in danger of being taken. He lived in Clermont,
Florida / Lake County, FL, which is a neighboring county to Volusia
County, Florida, where I live. I saw him on my local news in lated
November, 2004 and followed the story until and after they killed him
on December 8, 2004.

Here is one paragraph which I wrote in an e-mail when I learned Hank
Pinette was killed:

On December 8, 1998, Hanford "Hank Pinette", a veteran with 24 years
of service, signed a Living Will. On the same date he signed a
document giving his wife, Alice, Durable Power of Attorney which
stated she could make all of his medical decisions. Exactly 6 years
to the day later, on December 8, 2004, Hank was disconnected from
life support and killed against his most recent wishes.

Keep in mind you will be reading many news articles which are nothing
more than propaganda from the very well paid media, (as mandated by
the New World Order / NWO Powers That Be), slanted to appear that it
is just and appropriate to end Hank's life, and what he wanted, after
all. (This is not true as Hank indicated many times even near the
end of his life that he absolutely wanted to get well, go home, and
continue living.) He did have a Living Will, and the Judge ruled
that it over rode the fact that he had at the exact same time, signed
a Durable Power of Attorney document giving his wife power to make
all of his medical decisions for him, including life and death
decisions. It didn't matter that Hank was telling his wife and
others that he wanted to go home, wanted to be placed in a wheel
chair, wanted his relatives who had just killed a deer to save him
some steaks, or that he was conscious and responsive up to the day he
was killed. His Living Will, which he signed on December 8, 1998 did
him in. The New World Order Powers That Be will use anything they
can to kill those deemed undesireable and judged not worthy of life.
Hank is just one more "useless eater" (a term used in Nazi, Germany
for those deemed expendable), to them, but he was a courageous and
loving person to those who knew him.

Hank was a wonderful man who served his country for 24 years. He was
a loving father and husband, and he was smiling in a picture released
soon before he died, wearing his Veterans of Foreign War cap,
pictured with his wife, Alice. Here is the information I sent out
regarding him. May God Bless Hank, his wife, Alice, his family and
friends. Please keep them and all others who are in danger, who have
died, and their loved ones in your prayers.

Melissa Roxanne Stanley, DeLand, Volusia County, Florida
e-mail: saveterrislife @ yahoo dot com
saveterrislife website owner
http://saveterrislife website owner


Information I sent out about Hanford "Hank" Pinette:


----- Original Message -----
From: melissa roxanne
Sent: Tuesday, November 23, 2004 2:51 PM
Subject: Please Help NOW to Save A Man's Life Who Is Being Murdered!


There was something on my local news which I have seen only once
regarding a man who wants to live that the hospital, doctors, Court,
etc. is trying to kill. I tried to find information online about
this case but I did not have the man's name. I could find nothing
until today. I know few details, but here is what I do know:

His name is Hanford L. Pinette. Per his wife, he wants to live and
is aware of his surroundings. He is in the hospital now and has been
for several months at least. His wife states she has Power of
Attorney to make all medical decisions for her husband, and the news
articles state this as well. On the news a few days ago, Hanford's
wife stated that he has communicated and is still communicating to
her that HE WANTS TO LIVE! On the same day he signed this Power of
Attorney, per the news article cited below, he also signed a Living
Will stating that "in the event of a terminal condition with no
probability of recovery he wanted to "die naturally" and to receive
medication only to "alleviate pain". However, his wife states he has
no TERMINAL CONDITION and that he is now communicating to her and has
continually communicated to her that HE WANTS TO LIVE!

I have searched for her phone number online and believe I found it.
I left 2 messages on their answering machine a few minutes ago with
Ron Panzer's phone number and e-mail address and information about
Hospice Patients Alliance, urging Mrs. Pinette to call Ron. I also
called Ron and left 2 messages on HPA's answering machine regarding
all of this. I pray that Ron will be able to talk with Mrs. Pinette
and that he will write about this in his newsletters and get the
truth out. I also pray that Ron and those on his e-mail list will
rally around Hanford and his wife and attempt to save his life by
getting involved, reading articles, e-mailing and calling the
hospital, court officials, Judge, etc. I left Mrs. Pinette's phone
number and home mailing address on Ron's answering machine a few
minutes ago. I pray all of you will get involved and post this
information on your websites, forward it to others, make phone calls
and e-mails to save this man's life. Something was to be decided
regarding this case in court today, per the news I saw a few days
ago.

Thanks for your help in this matter!

Melissa Roxanne Stanley




NOTE: Pls. e-mail me at saveterrislife@... if you wish to
contact me regarding this or anything else.



Hospital, Wife Battle Over Patient
http://www.tallahassee.com/mld/tallahassee/news/10229351.htm



More articles here:
Results 1 - 10 of about 52 for "Hanford Pinette":
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&q=%
22Hanford+Pinette%22

____________________________________________________________________

----- Original Message -----
From: melissa roxanne
Sent: Tuesday, November 23, 2004 3:07 PM
Subject: Many more articles about Harold Pinette, who is in danger of
being murdered!



Many more articles about Harold Pinette, the Clermont, Florida man
who wants to live, that is in grave danger of being murdered:


http://www.google.com/search?q=%22Hanford+Pinette%22&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-
8&filter=0

He lives in Lake County, the county next to where I live, (Volusia
County).

Melissa

____________________________________________________________________



----- Original Message -----
From: melissa roxanne
Sent: Wednesday, November 24, 2004 3:15 AM
Subject: MURDER IN FLORIDA: Judge Rules Against Hanford Pinette's
Wishes NOW, Stating Life Support Can Be Removed, Despite His
Communicating HE WANTS TO LIVE & Despite His Wife's Having Durable
Power of Attorney!


MURDER IN FLORIDA: Judge Rules Against Hanford Pinette's Wishes NOW,
Stating Life Support Can Be Removed, Despite His Communicating HE
WANTS TO LIVE & Despite His Wife's Having Durable Power of Attorney!


----- Original Message -----
From:
To: melissa-roxanne@...
Sent: Tuesday, November 23, 2004 4:47 PM
Subject: Re: Many more articles about Hanford Pinette,who is in
danger of being murdered


My understanding is this gentlemen had his wishes in writing to not
live on life support. His body has failed and he is on a heart and
lung machine. This is not the same as Terri. This is a tough
case...when he has left wishes already that he does not want life
support :(

End of e-mail to me

My response to the above e-mail:
You need to go back and read my e-mail. It stated that Hanford
Pinette IS COMMUNICATING to his wife NOW that he wishes to LIVE! On
the news last night, Tuesday, November 23, 2004, at 11 P.M. Hanford's
wife, Alice, stated that Hanford asked for a wheelchair and to be
taken home! The news also showed a picture of him wearing his
Veterans of War cap and smiling at his wife happily. His wife, Alice
stated how happy it made him to wear the cap. He looked totally
happy and definitely conscious to me!

Here is the picture I found online of this:



http://www.local6.com/news/3934635/detail.html


This means he WANTS TO LIVE! He also gave his wife durable power of
attorney to make medical decisions for him the same exact date he
signed his Living Will!

However, the corrupt bioethicists, doctors, Judge, etc. are murdering
him.


The Judge, Lawrence R. Kirkwood,



ruled today that he will be killed.

Judge Kirkwood's LARGE picture and bio:
http://www.ninja9.org/courts/judges/kirkwood.htm

This case will set nationwide precedents in favor of the DEATH
CULTS!

CNN JUST ANNOUNCED A LITTLE WHILE AGO THAT MRS. PINETTE CANNOT
APPEAL! I DO NOT KNOW IF THIS IS TRUE OR NOT, BUT I CANNOT BELIEVE
THAT IT IS TRUE! The earlier local news stated an appeal is possible.

I urge all of you to do all you can to help save this man's life.
Please pray for a miracle and that God's will be done in this
matter. Hanford WANTS to live and his wife of 53 years wants to do
what her husband wants NOW and what he is telling her he wants NOW!

Please fax, call, and e-mail the Judge, the hospital, media, and
please forward this info. to others who care regarding saving this
man's life! I have found many phone #'s, fax #'s, and e-mail
addresses for you to contact:
(THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP AND CONCERN! MELISSA ROXANNE STANLEY)
Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
Judicial Directory (Sort-able)

Judges 2004 Judicial Assistant Division Phone
(407) Chamber Location Courtroom Circuit
County
Schedule


Kirkwood, Lawrence R. Robinette Probate-01 407-836-2018 Orange 20-B
Circuit Online


http://www.ninja9.org/Dockets/juddir.htm
http://www.ninja9.org/courts/courthouses/dtmap.htm

Hearing Schedule
Circuit Judge Lawrence Kirkwood


----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------
Day(s) Time Hearing Type
Monday - Thursday 9:00am - 9:30am Ex Parte - Please click for all
available hearing times

Notes

Judge Belvin Perry is the Alternate Judge:
All hearings are held in Hearing Room 20-B, 20th floor unless a
courtroom is needed. Trials and lengthy hearings are held in
Courtroom 19-D, 19th Floor
Judge Lawrence Kirkwood:
Phone Number: 407-836-2018
Fax Number: 407-835-5134
Judicial Assistant, (Robinette's), e-mail: ctjagr1@...



Orange County 9th Judicial Circuit Court
Location: 425 N. Orange Ave., Room 365 Orlando, Florida 32801
Hours: Monday to Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Facsimile: (407) 836-0503


Court Resource Center
The Court Resource Center for the Ninth Judicial Circuit is a
Judicial Branch resource that provides enhanced court services for
the entire community, including attorneys, pro se litigants, and the
general public. The purpose is to establish a comfortable
environment to work, to conduct legal research, and to distribute
general court information. The Center is supported by the Ninth
Judicial Circuit and the Orange County Bar Association. Provided
below is a list of the resources available in the Center. Please
note that you can find many of these resources on-line. Click on to
view video

http://www.ninja9.org/courtadmin/CourtResourceCenter/CourtResourceCent
er.htm (Lists many resources available - See link for the list)



Court: Hospital can cut off life man's life support
By Anthony Colarossi
Sentinel Staff Writer

November 23, 2004

Orange Circuit Judge Lawrence Kirkwood ordered that an Orlando
hospital may follow through on the terms of a living will for a
terminally ill patient in the hospital's care.

Kirkwood's decision late today means the hospital can pull the life
support that has been sustaining 73-year-old Hanford Pinette.

The Orlando Regional Healthcare System went to court seeking the
judge's order in the case. The hospital argued that it wanted to
carry out Pinette's wishes as stated in his living will. That
document said Pinette did not want to "artificially prolong the
process of dying."

Hospital doctors said Pinette is in a terminal state, cannot make
decisions for himself and is unlikely to recover. He is hospitalized
at Lucerne Hospital in Orlando.

(Note from Melissa: Please call the hospital to protest and to save
Hanford Pinette's life:
Orlando Regional Lucerne Hospital
818 Main Lane
Orlando, Florida
407 649-6111)

Doctors said today he is kept alive by a ventilator, a dialysis
machine and medication to maintain his blood pressure.

Hanford Pinette's wife, Alice Pinette, however, challenged the
hospital's position, insisting that her husband was alert and
responsive. She was designated as her husband's surrogate in the
living will.

In court today, Alice Pinette said her husband communicates with her
and "wants to go home."

"Thou shall not kill, and I cannot kill him," she said in court
today. "I cannot do this and live with me. When someone is talking to
you, how can you do that?"

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orange/orl-bk-
livingwill112304,0,1442110,print.story?coll=orl-home-headlines



The "blue H" is a powerful sign. It says to the public that someone
is ready to help them. Since 1918, Orlando Regional Healthcare has
been vigilantly keeping the promise for the people of Central
Florida.

Patient Feedback
Orlando Regional Healthcare welcomes your feedback. Please call
Administration within normal business hours.

Lucerne Regional Medical Center 321 649-6166


http://www.orhs.org/contact/patient_feedback.cfm?contact=main



Note from Melissa: Please call the hospital to protest and to save
Hanford Pinette's life:

Orlando Regional Lucerne Hospital
818 Main Lane
Orlando, Florida
407 649-6111)



Please e-mail Hanford Pinette here:
https://www.orhs.org/contact/patients/
Email a Patient
Please complete this form to contact a patient. Please note:


Emails are distributed within one business day.
Although Orlando Regional makes every effort to maintain the
confidentiality of your email, privacy cannot be guaranteed.
We cannot provide patient information via email.
(Be sure and choose "Orlando Regional Lucerne" on drop down menu for
name of hospital!)
( You may enter up to 255 characters. )

https://www.orhs.org/contact/patients/



Media Relations staff are available to assist local, regional,
national and international news media in answering questions about
the hospital, locating an expert spokesperson, or obtaining more
information about a news release or event.

Michelle Lynch, Media Relations Manager
Oncology, Pediatrics
Phone: 321 843-1343
Pager: 407 983-3310
Fax: 407 843-7259

Joe Brown, Media Relations Manager
Crisis Communications, Legislative Updates, Trauma
Phone: 321 841-8744
Pager: 407 981-1404
Fax: 407 843-7259

Sabrina Williams, Media Relations Representative
Orthopedics, Cardiology, Neurology
Phone: 321 841-8748
Pager: 407 596-5472
Fax: 407 843-7259

Robin Kraich, Media Relations
Representative
Pediatrics, Women's Services
Phone: 321 843-4567
Pager: 407 596-4007
Fax: 407 843-7259

Betsy Culpepper, Communications Director
Phone: 321 841-8430
Pager: 1 877 473-5210 (Toll Free)
Fax: 407 423-3204


Welcome
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HealthLine: 407 648-7899 | 800 648-7899
Copyright © 2004 Orlando Regional Healthcare




Telephone List
http://www.orhs.org/contact/phone_list.cfm?contact=main
Please call 321 841-5111 for phone numbers not listed on this page.

Main Corporate Number 321 841-5111




Phone Number for Lucerne
Lucerne - Main Hospital Phone #: 407 649-6111
Human Resources: 800 327-8402

Patient Information 321 841-5111


Protective Services 321 841-5600



Case Mgmt/Social Worker 321 841-5302


The Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families 407 317-7430



Compliance & Corporate Ethics 321 841-2335


Volunteer Services Lucerne Hospital 321 841-4436


Media Relations Contact
Joe Brown 321 841-8744
Michelle Lynch 321 843-1343
Sabrina Williams 321 841-8748
Robin Kraich 321 843-4567


International Patient Services: 407 481-7180
Guest Services:
Lucerne 321 841-4422


55 PLUS Seniors 321 841-5530


Ambulatory Care Center
Admitting 321 841-6049
Registration 321 841-6049
Pain Management 321 841-6163
Information Desk /
Guest Services 321 843-2103
Recovery 321 841-8577
Behavioral Health
Inpatient 407 262-2200
Outpatient 407 262-2220

http://www.orhs.org/contact/phone_list.cfm?contact=main

These phone numbers were obtained from link above.



VALUES:

http://www.orhs.org/about/index.cfm#values

Orlando Regional Healthcare is one of Florida's most comprehensive
private, not-for-profit healthcare networks. Our facilities, advanced
medical treatments and procedures, and highly qualified staff have
distinguished Orlando Regional as a healthcare leader for two million
Central Florida residents and 6,000 international visitors annually.

Our Values
Our Mission

Our 1,572-bed system includes:


Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children & Women
M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Orlando
Orlando Regional Medical Center
Orlando Regional Lucerne Hospital
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Our Values
People

Working together as a team to make Orlando Regional Healthcare the
best place to work.
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Working together as a team to deliver the highest quality, most cost-
effective health care services. Our goal is to provide superior
service to all customers.
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Working together as a team to take a leadership role in improving the
health and quality of life of the community, while maintaining
financial stability.
Our Mission
Orlando Regional Healthcare is dedicated to improving the health and
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Orlando Regional Hospitals

Jobs | Services | Find-A-Physician | News | Search | Contact | Home
321 841-5111
HealthLine: 407 648-7899 | 800 648-7899

http://www.orhs.org/about/index.cfm#values




Alice Pinette, Harold's wife, who is valiantly fighting to save her
husband's life:


http://www.local6.com/news/3934635/detail.html

local6.com - News - Orlando Hospital, Wife Battle Over Patient Who
Left Living Will
http://www.local6.com/news/3934635/detail.html
Published in Local6.com - Indexed on Nov 22, 2004 Relevance:
That's why the Clermont woman is going to court rather than watch
Hanford Pinette be disconnected from those machines, despite a living
will stating dying would be preferable if he were ever faced with a
terminal illness and incapacity. Alice Pinette possesses a document,
signed the same day in 1998 as the living will, giving her power of
attorney over her 73-year-old husband's life. At a court hearing
Tuesday, arguments will be presented over which legal paper trumps
the other. Then Circuit Court Judge Lawrence Kirkwood must decide not
just whether Pinette should perish, but determine a landmark right-to-
die case.


Court: Hospital can cut off life man's life support
By Anthony Colarossi
Sentinel Staff Writer

November 23, 2004

Orange Circuit Judge Lawrence Kirkwood ordered that an Orlando
hospital may follow through on the terms of a living will for a
terminally ill patient in the hospital's care.

Kirkwood's decision late today means the hospital can pull the life
support that has been sustaining 73-year-old Hanford Pinette.

The Orlando Regional Healthcare System went to court seeking the
judge's order in the case. The hospital argued that it wanted to
carry out Pinette's wishes as stated in his living will. That
document said Pinette did not want to "artificially prolong the
process of dying."

Hospital doctors said Pinette is in a terminal state, cannot make
decisions for himself and is unlikely to recover. He is hospitalized
at Lucerne Hospital in Orlando.

(Note from Melissa: Please call the hospital to protest and to save
Hanford Pinette's life:
Orlando Regional Lucerne Hospital
818 Main Lane
Orlando, Florida
407 649-6111)

Doctors said today he is kept alive by a ventilator, a dialysis
machine and medication to maintain his blood pressure.

Hanford Pinette's wife, Alice Pinette, however, challenged the
hospital's position, insisting that her husband was alert and
responsive. She was designated as her husband's surrogate in the
living will.

In court today, Alice Pinette said her husband communicates with her
and "wants to go home."

"Thou shall not kill, and I cannot kill him," she said in court
today. "I cannot do this and live with me. When someone is talking to
you, how can you do that?"

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orange/orl-bk-
livingwill112304,0,1442110,print.story?coll=orl-home-headlines



Tuesday, November 23, 2004 · Last updated 8:56 p.m. PT

Judge upholds living will over wife's pleas

By MIKE BRANOM
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER


Alice Pinette, second from left, and her attorney William Ruffier
(in back at left) are interviewed in Orlando, Fla., Tuesday, Nov. 23,
2004, after attending a hearing during which a judge upheld a living
will for Alice's husband Hanford Pinette. (AP Photo/Roberto Gonzalez,
Pool)
ORLANDO, Fla. -- The living will of a 73-year-old man who is
hospitalized and on life support must be respected, a judge ruled
Tuesday, despite his wife's pleas that he be allowed to live.

Hanford Pinette can no longer communicate (Note: This is not true!
Hanford IS communicating to his wife that he WANTS TO LIVE!) and is
unaware of his medical condition, which includes chronic failures of
his respiratory, circulatory and renal systems, according to medical
experts.

In 1998, Pinette signed a living will stating that death would be
preferable if he was faced with a terminal illness and incapacity.
Officials with Orlando Regional Healthcare, which runs the Lucerne
Hospital, say they have no choice but to follow his wishes, and allow
him to die with dignity (Note: No, they are murdering a man against
his wishes!).

But also in 1998, Pinette gave his wife durable power of attorney
over his affairs, including decisions on health care. Alice Pinette
insists her husband of 53 years can communicate and wants to live.

On Tuesday, Circuit Court Judge Lawrence Kirkwood ruled the living
will must be upheld. Otherwise, he said, those with power of attorney
could impose their wishes on the incapacitated. (Note: Hanford's
wife is trying to carry out HIS WISHES!)

Alice Pinette refused comment after the hearing. Her attorney said he
needed to read the ruling before deciding whether to appeal.

David L. Evans, Orlando Regional's lawyer, said the hospital would
work with Pinette's family to ensure his death is as painless and
peaceful as possible. (Note: It's still MURDER!)

One of Pinette's doctors testified at the hearing that it is hard to
say how quickly the man would die if taken off life support. "I
cannot predict when, but that would be the end," Dr. Sanjay Muttreja
said.

Alice Pinette testified at the that her husband was communicating
with family members as recently as Sunday, and has an aware mind
trapped in a weak body.

His doctors disagreed. Pinette "clearly cannot understand what is
happening to him," Muttreja testified. Added Dr. Juan Herran: "Mr.
Pinette is in a very unfortunate situation." (Note: Yes, he is
ABOUT TO BE MURDERED, DEFINITELY A VERY UNFORTUNATE SITUATION!)

The two doctors, who have treated Pinette for months, both said he is
incapacitated, can't make his own decisions (Note: Mrs. Pinette
states Hanford has communicated to her that he WANTS TO LIVE and has
communicated with family members as recently as Sunday, November, 21,
2004!) and is very unlikely to recover - the standards for enacting
the living will.

The hospital's bioethics committee agreed that Pinette's condition
was terminal.

"The committee recommended the patient's living will was valid, and
that we should follow its directive," said Carol Paris, Orlando
Regional's director of risk management.

(Note: Living Wills were invented by the Death Cults - as I refer to
the so called Death With Dignity, Right to Die etc. groups-Melissa).

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apus_story.asp?
category=1110&slug=Living%20Will



Hospital Wins Battle Over Patient Who Left A Living Will

POSTED: 4:59 pm EST November 23, 2004
UPDATED: 5:52 pm EST November 23, 2004

ORLANDO, Fla. -- A Circuit Court judge ruled Tuesday that the living
will of a man connected to life-support machines trumps the document
his wife has that would have given her power of attorney over her
husband's life. (Note: She still HAS durable power of attorney!
Hanford has recently stated to Alice Pinette that he wants to live!
He is not incapacitated, but is conscious and communicating, per his
wife, Alice Pinette! Melissa)


Alice Pinette said her husband of 53 years should not be disconnected
from life-support machines, despite a living will stating he would
prefer to die if he was faced with a terminal illness or incapacity.

The hospital argued that Pinette's "renal system, respiratory system
and cardiovascular system are all being supported by artificial means
alone."


But Alice had a document, signed the same day in 1998 as the living
will, giving her power of attorney over her 73-year-old husband's
life.

The power of attorney states her husband assigned her to decide how
he should be cared for, including life-prolonging measures.

Earlier this year, Pinette suffered congestive heart failure. He has
been hospitalized since February, according to the petition filed by
Orlando Regional Healthcare.

http://www.wftv.com/health/3944488/detail.html




Published Sunday, November 21, 2004

Despite Will, Wife Fights to Keep Life-Support

By MIKE BRANOM
The Associated Press

ORLANDO -- Alice Pinette is sure her husband of 53 years, in a
hospital hooked up to life-support machines, isn't on death's door.
He's aware of his surroundings and can communicate, she says.

That's why the Clermont woman is going to court rather than watch
Hanford Pinette be disconnected from those machines, despite a living
will stating dying would be preferable if he were ever faced with a
terminal illness and incapacity. Alice Pinette possesses a document,
signed the same day in 1998 as the living will, giving her power of
attorney over her 73-year-old husband's life.

At a court hearing Tuesday, arguments will be presented over which
legal paper trumps the other. Then Circuit Court Judge Lawrence
Kirkwood must decide not just whether Pinette should perish, but
determine a landmark right-to-die case.

"This is a brand new area of the law," said William E. Ruffier, Alice
Pinette's lawyer.

Hanford Pinette wrote a living will in 1998 and assigned his wife to
carry out his wishes, designating her as his "surrogate."

In the event of a terminal condition with no probability of recovery,
Pinette stated he wanted "to die naturally" and receive medication
only to "alleviate pain."

But the power of attorney states her husband assigned her to decide
how he should be cared for, including life-prolonging measures.

Earlier this year, Pinette suffered congestive heart failure, his
wife said. He has been hospitalized since February, according to the
petition filed by Orlando Regional Healthcare, and is currently at
Lucerne Hospital.

In court documents, the hospital argues that Pinette's "renal system,
respiratory system and cardiovascular system are all being supported
by artificial means alone."

David L. Evans, Orlando Regional Healthcare's lawyer, said the
hospital maintains Pinette will not get better and the hospital wants
only to abide by his wishes.

"All we can do is come in and describe his medical condition and his
competency," Evans told the Orlando Sentinel earlier this
month. "We're just doing what we feel we're legally obligated to do."

But Alice Pinette, who goes to the hospital daily, insists her
husband is far better off than the hospital believes, her lawyer said.

"People typically think of these living wills, when they sign them,
as `If I'm in a vegetative state, hooked up to a bunch of machines
and draining my family's bank account, my wish is to not have that
artificial life support,' " Ruffier said. "But in Mr. Pinette's case,
he is alert, aware and able to still enjoy his family."

The case is being watched closely in many legal circles.

"The living will is supposed to . . . supersede even the wife or a
designated surrogate," said Lauchlin Waldoch, a Tallahassee lawyer
who is on the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys' board of
directors. "This is a very good example why we, as elder law
attorneys, preach the gospel of coming to see us."

Another expert saw the Pinettes' case as a cautionary example of why
living wills only go so far.

"The health care surrogate is more powerful in many ways," said Scott
Solkoff, chairman of the elder-law section of the Florida Bar. "In
real life, regardless of what the statutes state, the surrogate is a
real person, not just a piece of paper."

http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?
AID=/20041121/NEWS/411210381/1004





Do You Need an Advance Directive?
http://internationaltaskforce.org/adneeds.htm

Do You Need an Advance Directive?

http://internationaltaskforce.org/adneeds.htm

If you are young and healthy, do you need an advance directive?
If you are in poor health, do you need an advance directive?

If you have discussed your wishes about health care decisions with
your family, do you need an advance directive?

The answer is to each of these questions is "yes."

You are at risk unless you have taken the simple but necessary step
of signing an advance directive that will protect you if you are ever
unable to make your own health care decisions. This is known as a
durable power of attorney for health care.

It's not the same as another type of advance directive known as
a "living will." (The living will -- sometimes called a "directive"
or a "declaration" -- is downright dangerous. It actually gives power
over your life and death to an unknown physician.)

In a durable power of attorney for health care, you designate a
trusted family member or friend to make health care decisions for you
if you are unable – either temporarily or permanently – to do so for
yourself.

Most people think such a document is only for those who are very sick
or very old. That's not true. It's absolutely essential for anyone
who is 18 years old or older.

Some (but not all) states have laws to cover a patient who hasn't
designated someone to make health care decisions. Such laws contain
a "priority listing" of those who can make decisions for an
incapacitated patient. But, in some states, those decisions may be
limited to withholding or withdrawing treatment. They may not give
the necessary authority to protect a patient. In other states, the
law gives doctors the power to decide for patients if there are
conflicts among those on the list.

Here are just three illustrations of what can happen if you haven't
specifically named someone to make your health care decisions:

Bob is a 19-year-old college student. He is seriously injured in a
sports accident. His condition is now stabilized. He is expected to
improve, but he is not able to communicate yet. Some decisions must
be made about his therapy and treatment.
Bob's parents are unable to get information from his medical records
and have no authority to make decisions for him because Bob is in a
state that does not have a priority listing of decision makers.

Joe and Sally are married with three children – 15-year-old Bob, 18-
year-old Tom and 20-year-old Mary. Driving home from a local
restaurant, Joe and Sally are hit head-on by another car. Joe is
killed. Sally is in critical condition.
Sally's twin sister, Sue, who is very close to Sally and with whom
Sally had often discussed her wishes about health care, rushes to the
hospital. She attempts to get information about Sally's condition.
She is told the law prohibits disclosing such information to her.
Instead, the information can be given to Tom and Mary who, under
state law, have the authority to make medical decisions for their
mother.

Unfortunately, Tom and Mary do not get along with each other and the
law requires agreement between them before any action can be taken.
This leads to a delay in authorizing treatment that could have vastly
improved Sally's ability to recover fully.

Alex is a 57-year old truck driver. While mowing the lawn, he has a
heart attack. Due to a lack of oxygen, he has sustained brain damage.
He hasn't named anyone to make health care decisions but he lives in
a state with a priority listing that gives his wife, Anna, first
priority in making his decisions. Anna knows that Alex would not want
a ventilator but would want to be tube fed if necessary.
Alex is breathing on his own and is being fed by tube. His brother,
Dave, objects to the tube feeding. The doctor in charge of Alex's
care thinks the tube feeding should be stopped.

In the state where Alex and Anna live, the attending physician or an
advanced practice nurse can select a decision-maker who is ranked
lower in priority if, in his or her judgment, that person is "better
qualified." Because Dave agrees with him, the doctor decides Dave is
better qualified than Anna to make decisions for Alex. The tube is
removed and, 12 days later, Alex dies of dehydration.

To be certain that a person you trust will be making decisions for
you if you can't do so yourself, you must have a durable power of
attorney for health care that specifically names that person.

As with any legal document, the wording of the durable power of
attorney for health care is critically important. And it must comply
with the laws in your state.

That's why the International Task Force formulated the Protective
Medical Decisions Document (PMDD). The PMDD is a durable power of
attorney for health care that has been drafted to protect you.

It gives the person you name to make your health care decisions the
authority to act on your behalf. That person is generally referred to
as your "agent."

The PMDD limits your agent's authority in one specific way. It
clearly states that your agent does not have the authority to approve
the direct and intentional ending of your life.

For example, your agent may not authorize that you be given a lethal
injection or an intentional drug overdose. Further, your agent may
not direct that you be denied food or fluids for the purpose of
causing your death by starvation or dehydration.

This limitation not only protects you, but it also protects your
agent from being subjected to pressure to authorize such actions.

The PMDD also has specific directions that are necessary in the
current medical climate.

For example, some health care providers have taken it upon themselves
to put Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders in place without the patient's
or agent's authorization. Similarly, some health care providers,
ethics committees and health facilities are making decision about
what is "appropriate" or "beneficial" based on institutional cost-
containment considerations, not on the basis of what is best for or
wanted by the patient.

The PMDD makes it clear that DNR orders and decisions about what
is "appropriate" or "beneficial" are to be made only by your agent
(if you're not able to do so).

There's something else.

Some states require that, when a durable power of attorney for health
care is distributed in printed form, it must have a specifically
printed "notice" or "warning." The ITF distributes state-specific
PMDDs for those states as well as a Multi-State PMDD for use in other
states.

A PMDD protects you.

When you have a PMDD, you or someone you've selected – not some
unknown physician or nameless bureaucrat – will make your health care
decisions.

Filling out a PMDD takes only a few minutes – far less time than
applying for health insurance, car insurance or even applying for a
credit card. And it can be even more important.

Having a PMDD can mean the difference between life and death.

Each PMDD packet contains: detailed questions and answers about the
PMDD, a checklist to use when signing your PMDD; three PMDD forms (so
that you can provide documents with your original signature to your
agent and to any alternate agents); and a wallet card on which you
can write the names and phone numbers of your agent and alternate
agents so they can be reached in case of an accident or emergency.

If you don't already have an advance directive, the PMDD packet is a
must. If you have another type of advance directive, review the PMDD
and decide whether you may wish to replace your existing document.

And, if you already have a PMDD, now is the time to see to it that
each and every member of your family and all of your friends have one
as well.

While you may never be in a situation where a PMDD will be needed,
isn't it a good idea to prepare for the worst while hoping for the
best?

Isn't it better to be safe than sorry?

............

To obtain a PMDD, call the International Task Force (800-958-
5678) or see the International Task Force order information.


----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------

Protective Medical Decisions Document

Advance Directives

http://internationaltaskforce.org/adneeds.htm





Advance Directives

http://internationaltaskforce.org/advdir.htm

ADVANCE DIRECTIVE

An advance directive is a document by which a person makes provision
for health care decisions in the event that, in the future, he/she
becomes unable to make those decisions.

There are two main types of advance directive -- the "Living Will"
and the "Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care." There are also
hybrid documents which combine elements of the Living Will with those
of the Durable Power of Attorney.


LIVING WILL

A Living Will is the oldest type of health care advance directive.

It is a signed, witnessed (or notarized) document called
a "declaration" or "directive." Most declarations instruct an
attending physician to withhold or withdraw medical interventions
from its signer if he/she is in a terminal condition and is unable to
make decisions about medical treatment.

Since an attending physician who may be unfamiliar with the signer's
wishes and values has the power and authority to carry out the
signer's directive, certain terms contained in the document may be
interpreted by the physician in a manner that was not intended by the
signer.

Family members and others who are familiar with the signer's values
and wishes have no legal standing to interpret the meaning of the
directive.


DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR HEALTH CARE

A Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care is a signed, witnessed
(or notarized) document in which the signer designates an agent to
make health care decisions if the signer is temporarily or
permanently unable to make such decisions.

Unlike most Living Wills, the Durable Power of Attorney for Health
Care does not require that the signer have a terminal condition.

An agent must be chosen with great care since the agent will have
great power and authority to make decisions about whether health care
will be provided, withheld or withdrawn from the signer.

It is extremely important that the signer carefully discuss his/her
values, wishes and instructions with the agent before and at the time
the document is signed. Such discussions may also continue after the
document is signed.

It is also important that the agent be willing to exercise his/her
power and authority to make certain that the signer's values, wishes
and instructions are respected.


COMBINATION ADVANCE DIRECTIVE

A combination advance directive is a signed, witnessed (or notarized)
document which contains specific written directions that are to be
followed by a named agent.

Since it is not possible to predict all circumstances that may be
faced in the future or to cover all possible interventions, specific
directions may severely limit the discretion and flexibility that the
agent needs and may restrict the agent's authority in a way the
signer did not intend.

In addition, the specific written directions may not be altered
through discussions between the signer and the agent. Any changes
necessitate a new document to reflect nuances or changed directions.

It is important that all adults consider who will make medical
decisions for them if they are temporarily or permanently unable to
make them for themselves.

Unless a person has an advance directive, many health care providers
and institutions will make critical decisions for him/her or a court
may appoint a guardian who is unfamiliar with the person's values and
wishes.

PROTECTIVE MEDICAL DECISIONS DOCUMENT (PMDD)

The PMDD is a protective Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
which is available from the International Task Force on Euthanasia
and Assisted Suicide.

In the PMDD the signer names a trusted person to make health care
decisions in the event that the signer is temporarily or permanently
unable to make such decisions.

The PMDD, which specifically prohibits assisted suicide and
euthanasia, is available in a Multi-State version for use in most
states. It is also available in state-specific versions for states
where particular requirements make a state-specific version
necessary.


----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------

Protective Medical Decisions Document

Do You Need an Advance Directive?


http://internationaltaskforce.org/advdir.htm




Latest International Task Force Update. (7/20/04)


Recommended...

"Disabling Assisted Suicide" (National Review Online, 1/19/04)
Disability rights activists have derailed the assisted-suicide
movement.

Oregon v. Ashcroft Text of Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision,
Overview, Text of Directive, ITF amicus brief and more.

"Assisted Suicide: The Continuing Debate"
Extensively documented article about assisted suicide in the United
States through December 2000. Includes initiative, legislative and
court developments as well as statistics, background information,
etc. (139 Kb)

"Assisted Suicide, Liberal Individualism, and Visceral
Jurisprudence..." (Alaska Law Review, Vol 20, No. 2) Eric A. Johnson,
Assistant Solicitor General, New York State Department of Law and
former Chief Assistant Attorney General in Alaska Department of Law
argues that a constitutional right to assisted suicide would have to
be grounded on the detrimental assumption that disabilities make life
less worthy of protection.
Power over Pain: How to Get the Pain Control You Need
by Eric Chevlen and Wesley J. Smith is now available.



• Statistics
Statistics related to death, dying, euthanasia and assisted suicide

• Words, Words, Words
Terms used in the euthanasia debate - their use and abuse
This is a 31 page document

FOOD AND FLUIDS
Includes Questions and Answers about "Artificial Feeding" and
information about specific cases

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Answers to most common questions

FUNDING FOR RIGHT-TO-DIE GROUPS
Dying for the Cause: Funding for the right to die (from Philanthropy
Today)
Philanthropy's Brave New World: Will those who give decide who should
live? (from Philanthropy Today)



Justice Department asks U.S. Supreme Court to hear Oregon assisted
suicide case (Newsday, 11/9/04)
Overview of Oregon v. Ashcroft.

California lawmakers prepare to push for assisted suicide
(Washington Times, 11/9/04)

"Dying to Donate? The transplant-medicine community should reassure
the public"
(National Review, 10/20/04)


"Death's border less defined...Legal definitions vary by state"
(Denver Post, 10/8/04)

"Now They Want to Euthanize Children In The Netherlands (Weekly
Standard, 9/13/04).

More about advocacy of euthanasia for children. "Death Plays the Name
Game" Euthanasia organizations reorganize to make their goal sound
better. Again.


LINKS to Disability Rights, Government, Law, News, Pain Control



ORDER FORM for INTERNATIONAL TASK FORCE MATERIALS



DETAILED SITE INDEX:

http://internationaltaskforce.org/dindex.htm



SITE SEARCH ENGINE

http://internationaltaskforce.org/index.htm#Search





"People typically think of these living wills, when they sign them,
as 'If I'm in a vegetative state, hooked up to a bunch of machines
and draining my family's bank account, my wish is to not have that
artificial life support."

http://www.newscoast.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?
AID=/20041119/APN/411190907



"The health care surrogate is more powerful in many ways," said Scott
Solkoff, chairman of the elder-law section of the Florida Bar. "In
real life, regardless of what the statutes state, the surrogate is a
real person, not just a piece of paper."

http://www.newscoast.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?
AID=/20041119/APN/411190907&Page=2


More on Hanford in my next post.
Melissa Roxanne Stanley
saveterrislife yahoo group owner and
http://saveterrislife.com website owner