Duhaime's Law Dictionary Permanent Unconscious Condition Definition: An incurable and irreversible condition in which the individual is medically assessed as having no reasonable probability of recovery from an irreversible coma or a permanent vegetative state. Related Terms: Heroic Measures, Terminal Condition, Living Will, Euthanasia, Persistent Vegetative State Also known as a persistent vegetative state. A pre-1999 version of the California Health and Safety Code provided that a permanent unconscious condition was an: "... irreversible coma or persistent vegetative state...."1 In the living will provisions at Title 70 of the Revised Statutes of Washington 2013, §70.122.030: "If at any time I should be diagnosed in writing to be in a terminal condition by the attending physician, or in a permanent unconscious condition by two physicians, and where the application of life-sustaining treatment would serve only to artificially prolong the process of my dying, I direct that such treatment be withheld or withdrawn, and that I be permitted to die naturally.... "... a permanent unconscious condition means an incurable and irreversible condition in which I am medically assessed within reasonable medical judgment as having no reasonable probability of recovery from an irreversible coma or a persistent vegetative state." REFERENCES: NOTE 1: Conservatorship of Wendland, 28 P. 3d 151 (Supreme Court of California, 2001) Thor v. Superior Court, 855 P. 2d 375 (California Supreme Court, 1993) Categories & Topics: Duhaime & Naysmith Medical-Legal Dictionary Duhaime's Trusts, Wills, Estates and Probate Law Dictionary Always looking up definitions? Save time with our search provider (modern browsers only) If you find an error or omission in Duhaime's Law Dictionary, or if you have suggestion for a legal term, we'd love to hear from you!