Report No. 196

(8B) Practice Note 1996 (4) All ER 766

This Practice Note deals with withdrawal of treatment to insensate patients and patients in persistent vegetative state. It requires sanction of High Court Judge before treatment is terminated. It requires confirmation of diagnosis from two independent reports from neurologists or other doctors experienced in assessing disturbances of consciousness.

The duties of doctors making the diagnosis as reported in the Report of the Working Group of Royal College of Physicians is set out. It also states that the views of the patients and others have to be obtained and will be an important component of the decision of the doctors. For a detailed account of the practice direction including the manner in which applications have to be made to the Court, one may refer to the Practice Note set out by the Official Solicitor Act in 1996 (4) All ER 766.