Colorado § 15-18.7-101 - Legislative declaration.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 15-18.7-101 — Legislative declaration., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15-18.7-101. Legislative declaration.
(1) The general assembly hereby finds that:
(a) Colorado law has traditionally recognized the right of an adult or his or her authorized surrogate decision-maker to accept or reject medical treatment and artificial nutrition or hydration;
(b) Each adult has the right to establish, in advance of the need for medical treatment, directives and instructions for the administration of medical treatment in the event the adult later lacks the decisional capacity to provide informed consent to, withdraw from, or refuse medical treatment;
(c) Current instruments for making advance medical directives are often underutilized, hampered by certain institutional barriers, and inconsistently interpreted and implemented; and
(d) The frail elderly, chronically or terminally ill, and nursing home resident population is in particular need of a consistent method for identifying and communicating critical treatment preferences that each sector of the health-care community will recognize and follow.
(2) The general assembly therefore concludes that it is in the best interests of the people of Colorado to adopt statutes providing for medical orders for scope of treatment. Consistent with the goal of enhancing patient-centered, compassionate care through methods to enhance continuity across health-care settings, medical orders for scope of treatment will provide a process for timely discussion between individuals and their health-care providers about choices to accept, withdraw, or refuse life-sustaining treatment and, through the use of standardized forms, will ensure those preferences are clearly and unequivocally documented.
Source: L. 2010: Entire article added, (HB 10-1122), ch. 279, p. 1275, § 1, effective August 11.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 15-18.7-101
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 15-18.7-101 cover?
Section 15-18.7-101 ("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 § 15-18.7-101?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 15-18.7-101" (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 § 15-18.7-101 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.