Mo. Rev. Stat. » Chapter 459
Missouri Revised Statutes

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 459.055 (2026)

Purposes of declaration

✓ current as of May 2026
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  459.055.  Purposes of declaration. — Sections 459.010 to 459.055 shall be interpreted consistent with the following:

  (1)  Each person has the primary right to request or refuse medical treatment subject to the state's interest in protecting innocent third parties, preventing homicide and suicide and preserving good ethical standards in the medical profession.

  (2)  Nothing in sections 459.010 to 459.055 shall be interpreted to increase or decrease the right of a patient to make decisions regarding use of medical procedures so long as the patient is able to do so, nor to impair or supersede any right or responsibility that any person has to effect the withholding or withdrawal of medical care in any lawful manner.  In that respect, the provisions of sections 459.010 to 459.055 are cumulative.

  (3)  Sections 459.010 to 459.055 shall create no presumption concerning the intention of an individual who has not executed a declaration to consent to the use or withholding of medical procedures.

  (4)  Communication regarding treatment decisions among patients, the families and physicians is encouraged.

  (5)  Sections 459.010 to 459.055 do not condone, authorize or approve mercy killing or euthanasia nor permit any affirmative or deliberate act or omission to shorten or end life.

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(L. 1985 S.B. 51 § 10)

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 2 cases, 1988–1990 · leading case: Cruzan Ex Rel. Cruzan v. Harmon, 760 S.W.2d 408 (Mo. 1988).
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Cruzan Ex Rel. Cruzan v. Harmon, 760 S.W.2d 408 (Mo. 1988). · cites it 16× “See Section 459.055(1), RSMo 1986; Brophy, 497 N.”
Cruzan Ex Rel. Cruzan v. Dir., Missouri Dep't of Health, 497 U.S. 261 (1990). · cites it 4× “" Mo. Rev. Stat. § 459.055 (1) (1986). The second of these subsections explains that the Act's provisions are cumulative and not intended to increase or decrease the right of a patient to make decisions or lawfully effect the withholding or withdrawal of medical care.”
Mo. Rev. Stat. § 459.055(1): 2 cases
Cruzan Ex Rel. Cruzan v. Harmon, 760 S.W.2d 408 (Mo. 1988). “See Section 459.055(1), RSMo 1986; Brophy, 497 N.”
Cruzan Ex Rel. Cruzan v. Dir., Missouri Dep't of Health, 497 U.S. 261 (1990). “" Mo. Rev. Stat. § 459.055 (1) (1986). The second of these subsections explains that the Act's provisions are cumulative and not intended to increase or decrease the right of a patient to make decisions or lawfully effect the withholding or withdrawal of medical care.”
Mo. Rev. Stat. § 459.055(5): 1 case
Cruzan Ex Rel. Cruzan v. Harmon, 760 S.W.2d 408 (Mo. 1988). “See Section 459.055(1), RSMo 1986; Brophy, 497 N.”
Mo. Rev. Stat. § 459.055(l): 1 case
Cruzan Ex Rel. Cruzan v. Harmon, 760 S.W.2d 408 (Mo. 1988). “See Section 459.055(1), RSMo 1986; Brophy, 497 N.”
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