RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Legal Considerations in End-of-Life Decisionmaking in Louisiana JF Ochsner Journal JO Ochsner J FD O. P. Jindal Global University SP 330 OP 333 VO 11 IS 4 A1 Ann Koppel A1 Shelley M Sullivan YR 2011 UL http://www.ochsnerjournal.org/content/11/4/330.abstract AB End-of-life directives are among the most difficult decisions that a patient or a patient's family makes because of the many moral, ethical, legal, and practical considerations. This article addresses the basic legal framework in Louisiana for end-of-life directives. Although Louisiana law provides a framework for addressing end-of-life issues, the law does not dictate outcomes or decisions. The law is often the refuge of last resort, providing unsatisfactory results. End-of-life care decisions are generally most productive when they are based on discussions between patients, their families, and their care team regarding the patient's wishes.