Iowa Code Title IV. Public Health [Chs. 123-158] § 144B.12. General provisions

1. This chapter does not create a presumption concerning the intention of an individual who has not executed a durable power of attorney for health care and does not impair or supersede any right or responsibility of an individual to consent, refuse to consent, or withdraw consent to health care on behalf of another in the absence of a durable power of attorney for health care.

2. This chapter shall not be construed to condone, authorize, or approve any affirmative or deliberate act or omission which would constitute mercy killing or euthanasia.

3. If after executing a durable power of attorney for health care designating a spouse as attorney in fact, the marriage between the principal and the attorney in fact is dissolved, the power is thereby revoked. In the event of remarriage to each other, the power is reinstated unless otherwise revoked by the principal.

4. It is the responsibility of the principal to provide for notification of a health care provider of the terms of the principal's durable power of attorney for health care.