NC S357

Requires the written and signed concurrence on a "do not resuscitate" order form before life-prolonging measures can be withheld or discontinued for incapacitated patients without a valid declaration.

Establishes a priority order for authorized decision-makers: court-appointed guardians, health care agents, attorneys-in-fact, spouse, adult children and parents (majority), adult siblings (majority), or individuals with established relationships who reliably convey the patient's wishes.

Allows attending physicians to make independent decisions to withhold or discontinue life-prolonging measures only when none of the listed representatives are reasonably available.

Becomes effective October 1, 2011.