Advance Directive

An advance directive is a personal statement of how medical care choices should be made and who should make them in the event you are unable to communicate for any reason. A medical power of attorney appoints a specific person (called a health care agent or proxy) to make medical treatment decisions for you, in accordance with your wishes, in the event you are incapacitated. A living will states what kinds of care you want and do not want, and under which circumstances.

Advance directives should be documented and comply with the laws or guidelines in a person's state of residence. Generally, two people witness your signature of the documents. These should be people who are neither designated health care agents nor beneficiaries of the person making the directive. The provisions of your advance directive, such as when to continue or abandon life-support measures, should also be discussed with your health care professional, family members, and your designated health care agent, as well as any other potential decision makers.

It is important to remember that advance directives only come into play if you are incapacitated and cannot make choices and decisions for yourself. As long as you are of sound mind and able to communicate your wishes, you have the right to make any medical choices you desire. You can change your mind at any time, and in fact, you need not comply with your own previously stated advance directives if your wishes or circumstances change. Advance directives are only for others to use and follow in case you can't communicate your wishes yourself.