Advanced care directives

State laws vary regarding living wills. Information specific to individual states usually may be obtained from the State Bar Association, State Medical Association, State Nursing Association, and most hospitals or medical centers.

A living will is not to be confused with a last will and testament that distributes assets after a person's death.

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Special medical power of attorney. A legal document that allows an individual to appoint someone else (proxy) to make medical or health care decisions, in the event the individual becomes unable to make or communicate such decisions personally.

NOTE: This document provides for power to make medically related decisions only and does notgive any individual power to make legal or financial decisions.

DNR (do not resuscitate) order. This states that CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation) is not to be performed if your breathing stops oryour heart stops beating. The order may be written by the person's doctor after discussing the issue with the person (if possible),the proxy, or family.

RECOMMENDATIONS

In the event you choose to write up a living will or special medical power of attorney,know specific state laws that may apply. Write the document to be consistent withyour state'slaws.
If you have a living will or special medical power of attorney, provide copies for your family members and health care providers. Carry a copy with you in a wallet, glove compartment of car, or similar location. If you have a planned admission to a hospital, take copies for the hospital to include in your medical chart andtell all medical personnel involved with your caseabout thedocuments.
Consider the possibilities of the future, and plan ahead. Studies have shown that although the majority of people believe having some form of advance directives is a good idea, most people have not actually developed advance directives for themselves. Many people state that they want their families to make health care decisions. However, less than half of these people have ever discussed the issue and their specific desires with family members.
These decisions can be changed at any time. However, if a living will is changed, everyone involved --including family or proxies and all healthcare providers -- must be informed and new copies of instructions made and distributed.

SUMMARY

The process of creating advanced care directives may be difficult. It requiresyou to think aboutyour priorities regarding quality of life andyour death. Treatment options, and their possible influence on your quality of life, need to be fully understood and considered. Know the potential implications of choosing or refusing specific forms of care.

Discuss your wishesregarding advanced care directives with your health care providers, family members, and friends.Reviewyour wishesfrom time to timeto remind everyone.