Advance Directives

You have a right to make decisions about your medical care.  An advance directive is a form you can fill out to protect your rights.  It can help your family and your doctor know your wishes about your care.  You have a right to accept or refuse treatment.  You also have the right to plan and direct the types of health care you may receive in the future. With an advance directive you can:

• Let your doctor know if you would or would not like to use life-support machines before something serious happens
• Let your doctor know if you would like to be an organ donor
• Decide right now what medical care you want or don’t want
• Give someone the power to say “yes” or “no” to your medical treatments when you are no longer able  

You may have a wish that a certain doctor or hospital cannot follow because of a moral or religious belief.  If that happens the doctor or hospital should tell you so that you can decide if you want a different provider for your health care.   

You can let your doctor know about your feelings by completing a living will or power of attorney for health care form.  Contact your doctor for more information.