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What is an advance directive?
What is an advance directive?
It’s a legal document. It tells your doctors what medical care you want and don’t want. And it’s only for when you can’t speak for yourself due to an accident or illness. It’s called an “advance directive” because you make these decisions before you need care. It can include info about:
- Whether you want to be kept alive on machines
- If you wish to donate your organs after you pass away
There are two types of advance directives:
- Health care proxy
- Living will (also known as an instruction directive)
It’s up to you whether you want one of these or both.
Already have an advance directive?
We suggest you:
- Sign and date it
- Keep a copy for yourself
- Give a copy to your health care surrogate
- Give a copy to all your providers
- Take a copy with you if you go to the hospital or emergency room
- Keep a copy in your car (if you have one)
What is a health care proxy?
It’s a legal form that shows who you want to be your health care surrogate. Your surrogate is the person you choose to make medical decisions for you if you can’t due to illness or accident. This person is also called your health care representative, durable power of attorney for health care, or medical power of attorney. They will speak for you based on what medical care you want and what’s in your best interests. Depending on your situation, this could be either short term or long term.
You can name almost anyone you want to be your health care surrogate. You decide how much power they will have to make decisions for you. You can also decide when this goes into effect. It can be right away. Or only after a doctor says you’re unable to decide for yourself.
What’s a living will?
A living will (or an instruction directive) is another type of advance directive. It lists your wishes for medical treatment if you’re very ill and may not recover, or you can’t speak for yourself. It tells your doctors what treatment you do or don’t want. This could include treatment or care that would keep you alive when there’s no chance of recovery.
Talk with your provider
Talk with your provider
You can talk with your provider if you need help or have questions. We’ll help you find a provider that will follow your advance directive. If they don’t follow it, you can file a grievance.
