Slovakia, officially known as Slovak Republic is a country in Central Europe with a population of over five million (Population: 5,379.455 (2001 census)/ 5,445.324 (2011 est.) and an area of about 49,000 square kilometres (almost 19,000 square miles).

A complete description of the Slovak Health Care System available online at:

World Health Organization - Regional Office for Europe

The number of ADs, if any, must be very low, due to there is neither legislation nor information about this topic. The issue of ADs has not yet been raised in Slovakia and such debate has not yet started.

Generally speaking, the citizens of Slovakia do not complete AD s. No register of AD s exists. As a result, it is impossible to know whether some people have already completed them, whether before a notary public or by another method.

Advance Directives are not regulated by any specific law in Slovakia and t here is not any particular bill regarding ADs.

The possibility to designate a healthcare proxy is neither envisaged by the Slovakian law.

Numerous relevant provisions with regard to the end-of-life decisions and to the consent to, or refusal of the particular treatment/health care by the patient are given in the Slovak health law (i.e. Act No. 576/2004 Coll., On healthcare, healthcare-related services and on the amendment and supplementing of certain laws (Sept. 22, 2004)- Available for consultation by clicking here)

These provisions are contained in the paragraphs on the “informed consent” and on the “informed refusal” of the patient, and in the paragraphs on patients’ rights. The informed consent/refusal, however, are only available to the legally competent patient.

If the patient is not competent under the law, then these decisions are to be made by his/her legal representative provided for by the law – it is usually the closest relative of the patient. If such person does not exist, then a legal representative is nominated as provided for by the law (usually it is the patient’s caregiver), or, if unclear, by the decision of the court.

There is no plans to change the legislations connected with this topic, however before Ellections in June 2010, this topic could be opened.

More information, and updates thereof, could be found at the following websites:

• Institute of Medical Ethics and Bioethics n. f., Bratislava (www.bioetika.sk or www.bioethics.sk)
• Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic, Bratislava
  

There is no official procedure to registry an advance directive in Slovakia.

There is no official form to complete an advance directive in Slovakia.