18. a. Nothing in this act shall be construed to alter, amend or revoke the rights and responsibilities under existing law of health care institutions not governed by the provisions of this act.

b. The provisions of this act shall not be construed to require emergency personnel, including paid or volunteer fire fighters; paramedics; members of an ambulance team, rescue squad, or mobile intensive care unit; or emergency room personnel of a licensed health care institution, to withhold or withdraw emergency care in circumstances which do not afford reasonable opportunity for careful review and evaluation of an advance directive without endangering the life of the patient.

L.1991,c.201,s.18.