There is a federal law called the Patient Self-Determination Act. It requires hospitals and nursing homes to give you information about your rights as a patient under their care. Advance directives are a legal way for you to declare your wishes to choose or refuse medical treatment. There are two types of advance directives:
Living Will - A
document that spells out in writing what medical treatment you would want or not want if
you were unable to state it yourself. A living will applies only when both of the
following exist:
You can't express your wishes on your own
You suffer from a terminal illness or condition and aren't expected to survive.
In writing, you may choose or refuse:
Measures to Support Life. Examples are cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a
respirator (a machine to breathe for you).
Measures to Sustain Life. Examples are tube feedings and kidney dialysis (a machine that
does the work of your kidneys).
Measures to Enhance Life. These keep you comfortable without prolonging life. Examples are
pain medications and hospice care.
Durable Power of Attorney for Health
Care - A document that names a person who would make treatment decisions for you
if you are not able to make them yourself. Generally, it is a person who knows you and
your values well and is in a good position to represent your wishes to your health care
provider. Your condition does not have to be terminal or irreversible to have someone
speak on your behalf.
Most states have their own laws on advance directives. You can get forms for a living will and/or a durable power of attorney for health care from your local library or state representative's office.
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 2002 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 7/2/02