Replies

Has anybody seen the FL statute definition of PVS? It isn't really very hard to understand. This is the legal definition not a medical definition. It is the only definition the courts can legally accept. Two doctors must independently examine the patient and sign off on it. But they must be giving their opinion of the patients condition as legally defined.

765.101 Definitions.--As used in this chapter:
(12) "Persistent vegetative state" means a permanent and irreversible condition of unconsciousness in which there is:
(a) The absence of voluntary action or cognitive behavior of any kind.
(b) An inability to communicate or interact purposefully with the environment.

765.306 Determination of patient condition.--
In determining whether the patient has a terminal condition, has an end-stage condition, or is in a persistent vegetative state or may recover capacity, or whether a medical condition or limitation referred to in an advance directive exists, the patient's attending or treating physician and at least one other consulting physician must separately examine the patient. The findings of each such examination must be documented in the patient's medical record and signed by each examining physician before life-prolonging procedures may be withheld or withdrawn.

Now look at this video of Terri and her father and determine for yourself if she fully and exactly fits the legal definition given above. Both parts of the definition must apply without exception, as stated above.