Advance medical directives are legal documents that allow you to direct your medical care in the event of a medical emergency during which you are unable to speak for yourself. Types of advance directives include a living will and durable power of attorney for health care.
• Living Will: A document that specifies the type of medical treatment or procedures you would like to receive if you become terminally ill. A living will takes effect only when you become terminally ill (when it is clear you will not recover). A living will may direct an attending physician to withhold or withdraw medical treatments that merely prolong the dying process. A living will may not direct anyone to withhold or withdraw artificial nutrition and hydration. Check state stipulations to determine how many witnesses other than yourself must sign your living will.
• Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (DPOAH): This document identifies a spokesperson (agent) to act on your behalf, and must be signed by you, in front of a notary public. It takes effect when you are unable to make health care decisions for yourself. Unlike a living will, a DPOAH may authorize your agent to withhold and/or withdraw artificial nutrition and hydration if this has been specified in the document. The designated spokesperson must be comfortable with your decisions. A Durable Power of Attorney will not go into effect unless you are unable to communicate yourself.
Everyone needs advance medical directives. If you currently have such advance directives in place, it is important to send copies of this information to your doctor and your loved ones. If you do not, it is time to talk with your physician and your family members about advance directives. Without advance directives, your family, your loved ones and your physician will be unable to support your wishes
source : Sisters of Mercy Health System
