Advance Decision on Life-sustaining Treatment Ordinance: A Synopsis

The Advance Decision on Life-sustaining Treatment Ordinance is a pivotal new law for Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, establishing a formal legal framework for individuals to refuse life-sustaining treatment (including cardiopulmonary resuscitation) in specific end-of-life circumstances. With its commencement on 31 July 2026, the provision of clear and practical guidance is essential to support understanding and implementation by all stakeholders.

In alignment with the mission of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Centre for Bioethics — to advance public understanding of bioethical issues and to raise awareness within the communities — this synopsis is designed as an accurate, precise, accessible, and practical reference. Its purpose is to serve as a key supplementary resource to the Ordinance itself by:

1. Providing a Clear Reference: Distilling the Ordinance's essential points into an accessible format for the public, potential users, and their families and loved ones, enabling informed personal consideration and discussion.

2. Supporting Professional Application: Offering healthcare and social care professionals a concise overview of the core legal provisions, procedural safeguards, and definitions relevant to clinical and advisory practice.

This document is not intended to replace the official legislation nor the professional guidelines published by the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine and by the Hospital Authority of Hong Kong, but to illuminate its key aspects, thereby fostering a well-informed community and supporting the ethical and practical implementation of the law.

This synopsis, drawing upon the full text of the Advance Decision on Life-sustaining Treatment Ordinance, is prepared and reviewed by the Task Force on Advance Decision on Life-sustaining Treatment established under CUHK Centre for Bioethics, with the following membership:

Convenor:
Prof. Roger Yat-nork CHUNG, Co-Director, CUHK Centre for Bioethics

Main drafters:
Dr. Chun Yan TSE, Research Associate (honorary), CUHK Centre for Bioethics
Dr. Derrick Kit Sing AU, Clinical Professional Consultant (honorary), Faculty of Medicine, CUHK

Other contributors (in alphabetical order):
Prof. Helen Yue Lai CHAN, Professor (by courtesy), CUHK Centre for Bioethics
Dr. Kai Tai CHAN, Adjunct Associate Professor, CUHK Centre for Bioethics
Dr. Ann Sin Nga LAU, Co-Director, CUHK Centre for Bioethics