I N F O R M AT I O N
Advance Directives hat is an advance directive? An advance directive is a document that states your choices about medical treatment, and names a person and an alternate who can make those decisions for you in the event that you are unable to do so yourself. An example is if you are in a serious accident and are unconscious or cannot speak. The person you chose to be your surrogate decision-maker is commonly referred to as a medical power-of-attorney or healthcare proxy. You may also create a living will (not to be confused with a will used after death) which is also an advance directive wherein you indicate what type of medical treatment you want or don’t want at the end of life or in an emergency situation.
Who can have an advance directive? Anyone who is age 18 or older because injuries, accidents and illness can occur at any age. Once you are of legal age to make your own decisions, you can have an advance directive. Who can make an advance directive? An advance directive can only be made by someone who is competent, and it must be made voluntarily. Note that you cannot “get power-ofattorney over someone”. Only the individual can appoint their own medical decision-maker. Who should I appoint to be my decision-maker? You should appoint someone you trust and know will make decisions based on your values, goals, and preferences, and will follow your wishes. It can be a family member, friend, or trusted professional (such as an attorney). Make sure you discuss your decision with that person because it shouldn’t be a surprise to the person you appoint. They should know what your wishes are and be agreeable to act in that capacity.
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