Advance Health Care Directives

An Advance Health Care Directive allows you to appoint a trusted individual (your “agent”) to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. You may also name one or more alternate agents to serve if your primary agent is unavailable.

An Advance Health Care Directive generally has two components. First, it includes a power of attorney for health care, which designates your agent to make medical decisions on your behalf. Second, it allows you to express your wishes regarding medical treatment, including the type and extent of care you wish to receive.

These instructions may address matters such as life-sustaining treatment, pain management, and decisions regarding nutrition and hydration.

Your agent’s authority becomes effective only if you are determined to lack the capacity to make your own health care decisions.

Advance planning through an Advance Health Care Directive helps ensure that your wishes are followed and can avoid the need for a conservatorship of the person in the event of incapacity.