20-402 Statement of policy. - Nebraska Statutes

20-402. Statement of policy.(1) The Legislature recognizes the common-law right and a constitutionally protected liberty interest for people to direct their medical treatment. The exercise of such right and liberty interest is subject to certain state interests in preserving life, preventing homicide and suicide, protecting dependent third parties, and maintaining the integrity of the medical profession. The Legislature adopts the Rights of the Terminally Ill Act to provide one means, by use of the declaration described in the act, for people to exercise their rights. Unjustifiable violation of a patient's direction shall be a civil cause of action maintainable by the patient or the patient's next of kin. Remedy in law and equity may be granted by a court of competent jurisdiction.(2) It is the public policy of this state that no existing right be terminated or restricted by the Rights of the Terminally Ill Act. SourceLaws 1992, LB 671, § 2.