Consent to Medical Treatment and Palliative Care Act

South Australian legislation

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July 19, 2026

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The Consent to Medical Treatment and Palliative Care Act was enacted in South Australia in 1995. This legislation empowers individuals to make advance decisions about their medical treatment should they become incapacitated. It also protects medical practitioners from liability if the chosen treatment for a terminally ill patient inadvertently hastens death. This Act is a significant piece of legislation concerning patient autonomy and end-of-life care in South Australia.1

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South Australia
Health and welfare
…1995 South Australia enacted the Consent to Medical Treatment and Palliative Care Act. This landmark legislation gave citizens the power to predetermine their medical treatment in the event that they become incapacitated and also relieved medical practitioners of liability should the treatment chosen by the terminally ill incidentally hasten death.
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…1995 South Australia enacted the Consent to Medical Treatment and Palliative Care Act. This landmark legislation gave citizens the power to predetermine their medical treatment in the event that they become incapacitated and also relieved medical practitioners of liability should the treatment chosen by the terminally ill incidentally hasten death.
Read More