Questions for lawyers Found 20

I have a serious illness and I do not want to be resuscitated or put on a ventilator if my condition worsens. I want to record this in a way that is legally binding. How does an advance directive work in New Zealand?

A relative recently died, and the hospital asked us whether we would agree to organ donation. We know he was registered as a donor on his driver’s licence, but we are unsure about whether the family or the registration decides. How does consent work?

I was admitted for a scan and a nurse said that additional tests would be done and my consent was not necessary. I felt pressured. In what circumstances can healthcare be provided without my agreement?

My father has advanced dementia and the hospital needs to make a decision about a serious operation. He never signed any legal documents about who should decide. Who has authority to consent for him? Nobody has given me a straight answer and I want to understand where I actually stand.

My brother was taken to hospital by police after a mental health crisis and has now been told he must stay and take medication. He disagrees and is frightened. What rights does he have under the law? I want to make sure I am not missing anything important before I decide what to do.

I want a full copy of my medical file from my GP and the hospital, but the practice says it needs to charge a large fee and that some notes cannot be released. Do I have a right to see my own health information?

My workplace has said that all staff in my role must be vaccinated against a particular disease or lose their jobs. I am not comfortable with this. Can an employer require this, and what are my rights?

My mother is in her late seventies and beginning to forget things. We worry that if her condition worsens, nobody would legally be allowed to make decisions about her care or finances. How does an enduring power of attorney work?

I am pregnant and am considering an abortion but I do not know how the law works or whether I need someone’s permission. I am also worried about confidentiality. What are the legal rules? I have tried asking around but nobody seems to give me a clear answer.

I was prescribed a medicine that caused a severe reaction that put me in hospital. I was never told about the risk and the doctor says such reactions are rare. Was I entitled to be warned, and can I claim for it?