My Future Healthcare Wishes

What is an Advance Health Care Directive?

An Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) is a legal document that outlines your wishes regarding your medical care in the event that you are unable to make your own decisions. It’s a way to ensure your preferences are respected, even if you can’t communicate them directly.

Why is an Advance Health Care Directive Important?

There are several reasons why an AHCD is important:

Peace of Mind: Knowing your wishes are documented can provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.

Autonomy: It allows you to maintain control over your medical care, even if you become incapacitated.

Avoids Uncertainty: An AHCD can help prevent confusion and disagreements among family members about your medical treatment.

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What Should be Included in an Advance Health Care Directive?

Your AHCD should include the following information:

Your Name: Your full legal name.

Date: The date you created the document.

Contact Information: Your contact information and the contact information of a trusted person who can make decisions on your behalf.

Your Wishes: Clearly state your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments, such as:

Intubation: Whether you want to be intubated if you cannot breathe on your own.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): Whether you want CPR to be performed if your heart stops.

Artificial Nutrition and Hydration: Whether you want to receive artificial nutrition and hydration if you cannot eat or drink on your own.

Organ Donation: Whether you want to donate your organs after death.

How to Create an Advance Health Care Directive

You can create an AHCD in several ways:

Use a Pre-Printed Form: Many hospitals and healthcare providers offer pre-printed forms that you can fill out.

Hire an Attorney: A lawyer can help you create a customized AHCD that addresses your specific needs.

Use an Online Tool: There are online resources available that allow you to create an AHCD.

Conclusion

An Advance Health Care Directive is a valuable tool that can help ensure your wishes regarding your medical care are respected. By taking the time to create this document, you can provide peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones.

FAQs

1. Can I change my Advance Health Care Directive?
Yes, you can change your AHCD at any time. Simply create a new document that supersedes your previous one.

2. Who can make decisions based on my Advance Health Care Directive?
The person you designate as your healthcare agent will make decisions based on your AHCD.

3. Is an Advance Health Care Directive legally binding?
Yes, an AHCD is legally binding in most states.

4. Can my family members override my Advance Health Care Directive?
Generally, no. Your family members cannot override your AHCD unless it is deemed invalid or if you have revoked it.

5. Should I review my Advance Health Care Directive regularly?
Yes, it’s a good idea to review your AHCD regularly to ensure it still reflects your wishes.

Advance Health Care Directive Form