Application of article

(1) Nothing in this article shall be construed as altering or amending the standards of the practice of medicine or nursing or establishing any presumption, absent a valid declaration, nor as condoning, authorizing, or approving euthanasia or mercy killing, nor as permitting any affirmative or deliberate act or omission to end life, except to permit natural death as provided in this article. Nothing in this article shall require the provision or continuation of medical treatment contrary to the standards of the practice of medicine. (2) A diagnosis of persistent vegetative state shall be performed by a qualified medical professional according to standards of the practice of medicine. Nothing in this article shall be interpreted to define "persistent vegetative state" in contradiction of standards of the practice of medicine. (3) In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this article, or a declaration executed under this article, and the provisions of section 15-14-501, the provisions of this article and the declaration shall prevail. (4) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (3) of this section, a declarant may include within the declaration or within any power of attorney executed by the declarant a written statement to the effect that the agent under power of attorney may override the provisions of the declaration.