Advance Health Care Directives
What Is It?
An Advance Health Care Directive is a document that appoints someone else to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to make your own decision. The person you nominate is called your health care agent. We recommend that you nominate at least one alternate agent, in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to assist.
What Does it Do?
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If you are capable of making health care decisions yourself, your wishes will override any decision of your agent.
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You can also revoke or amend your Advance Directive at any time.
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You can also limit your health care agent's decisions by not authorizing certain treatments or procedures.
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Your agent can make end-of-life decisions for you including providing or withdrawing life-prolonging treatments and considerations regarding your comfort during this time.
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You can make your final wishes clear regarding how you want your remains handled and whether or not you consent to organ donations or authorize your agent to have an autopsy conducted.
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You can make your wishes clear regarding and any services or celebrations of your life.
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An Advance Directive can also be used to nominate a Conservator to act on your behalf (This is a guardian for an adult who is appointed by the Court to make either financial or health care decisions for you, in case Court involvement is needed).