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RSA 137-J:14 · Execution and Witnesses

137-J:14 Execution and Witnesses. –

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I.

The advance directive shall be signed by the principal in the presence of either of the following:

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(a)

Two or more subscribing witnesses, neither of whom shall, at the time of execution, be the agent or surrogate, the principal's spouse or heir at law, or a person entitled to any part of the estate of the principal upon death of the principal under a will, trust, or other testamentary instrument or deed in existence or by operation of law, or attending practitioner, or person acting under the direction or control of the attending practitioner. No more than one such witness may be the principal's health or residential care provider or such provider's employee. The witnesses shall affirm that the principal appeared to be of sound mind and free from duress at the time the advance directive was signed and that the principal affirmed awareness of the nature of the document and signed it freely and voluntarily; or

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(b)

A notary public or justice of the peace, who shall acknowledge the principal's signature pursuant to the provisions of RSA 456-B.

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II.

If the principal is physically unable to sign, the advance directive may be signed by another person who signs the principal's name in the principal's physical presence and at the principal's express direction. Source. 2006, 302:2. 2009, 54:4, eff. July 21, 2009. 2020, 39:35, eff. Jan. 1, 2021. 2021, 176:5, eff. July 30, 2021.

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Source note

Source. 2006, 302:2. 2009, 54:4, eff. July 21, 2009. 2020, 39:35, eff. Jan. 1, 2021. 2021, 176:5, eff. July 30, 2021.

Source history

  • 2006, 302:2
  • 2009, 54:4, eff. July 21, 2009
  • 2020, 39:35, eff. Jan. 1, 2021
  • 2021, 176:5, eff. July 30, 2021

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Bill relationships

  • 2025 HB254 reference

    ng significant benefits and risks, and to make and communicate an informed health care decision. A determination of capacity shall be made only according to professional standards of care and the provisions of RSA 137-J. X. "Mental health professional" means a state-licensed psychiatrist, psychologist, master social worker, psychiatric nurse practitioner, or professional clinical mental health counselor. XI. “Public place” me