A legal document that allows individuals to outline their preferences regarding medical treatment and end-of-life care in the event they become unable to communicate their wishes. Also known as a living will or personal directive.
A specific type of Advance Health Care Directive that details an individual’s preferences for medical treatments, interventions, and end-of-life care. It guides healthcare providers when the person is unable to make decisions.
A legal document that appoints a trusted person, known as a healthcare proxy or agent, to make medical decisions on behalf of the individual if they are unable to do so themselves. This ensures someone advocates for their healthcare preferences.
Similar to a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, this document appoints someone to make medical decisions for the individual in case of incapacity. The appointed person should be someone who understands and respects the individual’s wishes.
The process of making decisions about the type of medical care an individual wishes to receive or avoid if they become seriously ill and unable to communicate their preferences. This includes considerations about life-sustaining treatments and interventions.
A person appointed in a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care or Medical Power of Attorney to make medical decisions on behalf of the individual if they are unable to do so. This individual should be aware of the person’s values and preferences.
Specialized medical care focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. It aims to improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family, often aligning with the goals outlined in an Advance Health Care Directive.
Medical interventions that are intended to prolong a person’s life, such as ventilators, feeding tubes, and CPR. An Advance Health Care Directive allows individuals to specify their preferences regarding the use of such treatments.
A medical order that instructs healthcare providers not to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) if the individual’s heart stops beating or they stop breathing. This preference is often documented in an Advance Health Care Directive.
A legal document that authorizes healthcare providers to disclose medical information to individuals specified in the document. This is crucial for the appointed healthcare proxy to access the individual’s medical records and make informed decisions.
The mental ability to understand and make informed decisions about one’s medical treatment. An Advance Health Care Directive typically becomes effective when an individual cannot make healthcare decisions.
An option to express one’s willingness to donate organs and tissues for transplantation after death. Some Advance Health Care Directives include provisions related to organ donation.