Health Care Directive

^{A health care directive is a document executed by a competent person (the principal) giving another person (the agent) the authority to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to communicate such decisions yourself.}
 

Why have a health care directive?

^{In case you ever become incapacitated, it is important that someone has the legal authority to communicate your wishes concerning medical treatment. This is true especially if you were to disagree with family members or they were to disagree among themselves about your treatment. By executing a health care directive, you ensure that the directions that you have given your agent will be carried out in the event of such disagreement.}
 

Whom should I appoint as my agent?

^{Since your agent is going to have the authority to make medical decisions for you in the event you are unable to make such decisions yourself, it should be a family member or friend that you trust will follow your wishes. Before executing a health care directive, you should talk to the person whom you want to name as your agent about your wishes concerning medical decisions, especially life sustaining treatment.}
 

Should I have a medical directive?

^{A medical directive provides your agent with instructions on what type of care you would like. If you wish, you may include specific instructions concerning the initiation or termination of life sustaining treatment or a more broad statement granting general authority for all medical decisions that are important to you.}
 

When does a health care directive take effect?

^{A health care directive takes effect only when you require medical treatment and are unable to communicate your wishes concerning your treatment.}
 

What if I regain my ability to communicate my own decisions?

^{If you become able to express your wishes at any time, you will be listened to and the health care directive will have no effect.}
 

Who should have a copy of my health care directive?

^{You should have a copy and your physician should have a copy with your medical records. Copies are generally treated as originals for all purposes.}
 

How can I get a health care directive?

^{Contact an attorney who is skilled and experienced in this area.}