Well, we were talking about Terri Schiavo. When the tube was to be removed for the first time at the request of Michael, a GAL was appointed. He did not think that MIchael was convincing as to the wishes of Terri. He was essentially fired and was not replaced. Terri was not represented by counsel following that until Terri's law was passed. Additionally, she should have had counsel prior to that time when Michael first directed no treatment for a urinary tract infection. This was so egregious(even though the record indicates consultation with her doctor) that the facility in which she was being treated challenged that decision.
http://jb-williams.com/ts-report-12-03.htm
In early 1994 Theresa contracted a urinary tract infection and Michael, in consultation with Theresa's treating physician, elected not to treat the infection and simultaneously imposed a "do not resuscitate" order should Theresa experience cardiac arrest. When the nursing facility initiated an intervention to challenge this decision, Michael cancelled the orders. Following the incident involving the infection, Theresa was transferred to another skilled nursing facility.
Additionally, she should have had counsel prior to that time when Michael first directed no treatment for a urinary tract infection.
Why? What would counsel have accomplished that wasn't accomplished anyway? He made a bad decision, the medical professionals challenged that bad decision, as the law explicitly permits, and the decision was rescinded. So basically, it looks to me like the system as it currently exists achieved the desired end in that particular situation. So what, then, does counsel buy you, other than one more hungry lawyer with BMW payments at the table?