Betreuungsrecht

Patient care comprises all measures for legally settling the affairs of persons unable to do so due to illness or physical handicap. Honourary or professional custodians appointed by the guardianship court [Vormundschaftsgericht; in the future: Betreuungsgericht, care court] perform the duties for their charges as determined by the court.  The care legislation passed in 1992 was revised several times, both structurally and fundamentally. With the latest changes, which were made on 18.06.2009 and will come into force on 01.09.2009, basics of the living will were incorporated into the law. Serious decisions as to whether medical assistance shall be given or withheld can thenceforth be made by the guardianship court.