Colorado § 15-14-504 - Legislative declaration - construction of statute.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 15-14-504 — Legislative declaration - construction of statute., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15-14-504. Legislative declaration - construction of statute.
(1) The general assembly hereby finds, determines, and declares that:
(a) Colorado law recognizes the right of an adult to accept or reject medical treatment and artificial nourishment and hydration;
(b) Each adult has the right to establish, in advance of the need for medical treatment, any directives and instructions for the administration of medical treatment in the event the person lacks the decisional capacity to provide informed consent to or refusal of medical treatment; and
(c) The enactment of a "Colorado Patient Autonomy Act" is appropriate to affirm a patient's autonomy in accepting or rejecting medical treatment, which right includes the making of medical treatment decisions through an appointed agent under a medical durable power of attorney.
(2) The general assembly does not intend to encourage or discourage any particular medical treatment or to interfere with or affect any method of religious or spiritual healing otherwise permitted by law.
(3) The general assembly does not intend that this part 5 be construed to restrict any other manner in which a person may make advance medical directives.
(4) Nothing in this part 5 shall be construed as condoning, authorizing, or approving euthanasia or mercy killing. In addition, the general assembly does not intend that this part 5 be construed as permitting any affirmative or deliberate act to end a person's life, except to permit natural death as provided by this part 5.
Source: L. 92: Entire section added, p. 1979, § 2, effective June 4.
ANNOTATION
Law reviews. For article, "Placement on a Secure Unit by Surrogate Decision-Makers", see 34 Colo. Law. 49 (Oct. 2005). For article, "Respecting and Responding to End-of-Life Choices", see 34 Colo. Law. 57 (Oct. 2005).
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 15-14-504
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 15-14-504 cover?
Section 15-14-504 ("Legislative declaration - construction of statute.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 15-14-504?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 15-14-504" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 15-14-504 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.