One often-asked question is whether temporary life-sustaining measures like a pig liver transplant reshuffle the waiting list, catapulting desperately sick patients to the top.

For example, you might state that certain life-sustaining measures that serve only to prolong your dying be withheld or discontinued.

Would have permitted family members or friends to make decisions on treatment - and refuse life-sustaining measures - for incapacitated patients.

If the treatment decision involves withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining measures, a second physician must confirm the incapacity determination.

"There can be no state interest great enough to compel A.B. to remain subjected to this extraordinary life-sustaining measure," the judge wrote.

Other bills seek to draw a line between a feeding tube and other life-sustaining measures.

Health professionals also tend to distinguish between not starting life-sustaining measures and withdrawing measures already in place.

Yet no health care provider has ever been convicted of a crime for withdrawing or withholding life-sustaining measures.

A seriously ill or dying patient whose wishes are not honored may feel a captive of the machinery required for life-sustaining measures or other medical interventions.

She said the society receives many requests for copies of its "living will," a document that provides an opportunity to indicate one's wishes concerning life-sustaining measures.