Patientenverfügung Schweiz: Vorsorge für den Ernstfall

A patient decree is a document in which you record which medical treatments you wish or refuse in case of incapacity. It is anchored in the Swiss Civil Code (ZGB, Art. 370-373) and is binding for doctors and caregivers.

A Swiss patient decree typically includes provisions on: life-sustaining measures, artificial nutrition and ventilation, pain management and palliative care, and the designation of a representative for medical decisions.

A patient decree is not the same as a power of attorney. While the patient decree records medical wishes, a advance care directive regulates general representation in legal and financial matters.

A patient decree in Switzerland must be in writing, dated and signed by hand. Notarial certification is not required, but is recommended to eliminate doubts about authenticity.

Step by step to your patient decree

1. Obtain a template: Use a form for the Swiss patient decree (e.g. from the FMH, Pro Senectute or the Swiss Red Cross)
2. Define contents: Decide which treatments you wish or refuse
3. Designate a representative: Name a trusted person who will represent your wishes to the treatment team
4. Sign and date: Handwritten signature and date are mandatory
5. Storage: Inform your representative and your family doctor. Record the storage location on your insurance card

Since 1 January 2013, the patient decree has been regulated in the revised adult protection law (ZGB Art. 370-373). Important legal aspects:

• Doctors are obliged to follow a patient decree, provided it does not violate the law
• The decree can be revoked or amended at any time
• It must be created by a person with capacity
• There is no minimum age — capacity is what matters
• The Child and Adult Protection Authority (KESB) reviews validity in case of doubt

You can obtain a form for the patient decree in Switzerland free of charge from the following organisations:

• FMH (Swiss Medical Association): Standardised template with detailed medical options
• Pro Senectute: Advice and template specifically for older people
• Swiss Red Cross (SRC): Compact template with explanations
• Dialog Ethik: Detailed patient decree with individual counselling

Tip: Get advice when creating your decree — from your family doctor, a counselling centre or legal advice. A well-formulated patient decree gives you and your family members security.