Colorado § 15-18-102 - Legislative declaration.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 15-18-102 — Legislative declaration., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15-18-102. Legislative declaration.
(1) The general assembly hereby finds, determines, and declares that:
(a) Colorado law has traditionally recognized the right of an adult to accept or reject medical or surgical treatment;
(b) Recent advances in medical science have made it possible to prolong the dying process through the use of medical or surgical procedures;
(c) The use of such medical or surgical procedures increasingly involves patients who have a terminal condition or are in a persistent vegetative state, and lack decisional capacity to accept or reject medical or surgical treatment;
(d) The traditional right to accept or reject medical or surgical treatment should be available to an adult while he or she has decisional capacity, notwithstanding the fact that such medical or surgical treatment may be offered or applied when he or she has a terminal condition or is in a persistent vegetative state, and lacks decisional capacity to accept or reject medical or surgical treatment;
(e) This article affirms the traditional right to accept or reject medical or surgical treatment, and creates a procedure by which an adult with decisional capacity may make such decisions in advance of medical need;
(f) It is the intent of the general assembly that nothing in this article shall have the effect of modifying or changing currently practiced medical ethics or protocol with respect to any patient in the absence of a declaration as provided for in section 15-18-104;
(g) It is the intent of the general assembly that nothing in this article shall require any adult to execute a declaration.
Source: L. 2010: Entire article R&RE, (HB 10-1025), ch. 113, p. 375, § 1, effective August 11.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 15-18-102
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 15-18-102 cover?
Section 15-18-102 ("Legislative declaration.") 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 § 15-18-102?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 15-18-102" (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 § 15-18-102 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.