Advance Directives

Taking Charge of Your Care

The best way to make sure your wishes as a patient are known is to complete and sign a health care power of attorney and a living will. These legal documents let others know your wishes about the type of care you want when you are unable to communicate yourself. If you have specific questions about signing a health care power of attorney or a living will, you should discuss them with your doctor, clergy member and/or attorney.

It is important to make multiple copies of your completed, signed and witnessed advance directive and health care power of attorney forms. Make sure that other family members know where these documents are kept and have copies or access to the documents. If you come to the hospital, you will be asked to provide a copy that will become part of your medical record. If your documents are changed, submit new ones to the hospital.

Health Care Power of Attorney

This legal document allows the patient to appoint an agent to make health care decisions when the patient is unable to do so independently. This document is only in effect if the patient is unable to make his or her own decisions; otherwise the patient is always the decision maker.

Living Will

A living will expresses the patient’s wishes regarding the use of life-sustaining treatment if the patient is unable to speak for himself. This document often outlines the wishes of the patient with regard to organ donation and nutrition and hydration.

If you have additional questions or need assistance obtaining appropriate forms, please call: