A Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Health Care Directive appoints an agent to make healthcare decisions for you if you're unable to make them on your own. It also sets forth your instructions on the withholding or withdrawing of certain medical treatment when there is no expectation of your recovery from a terminal illness or injury. This document is usually divided into several parts. The first part appoints an agent (usually a spouse, relative or close friend) to make such health care decisions for you if you’re unable to communicate them on your own. The second part sets forth your wishes as to "end-of-life" medical treatment. Our office also provides you with a HIPAA medical release that allows the health care providers to provide information to your agents so that they can properly make decisions on your behalf.
How you want your Health Care Directive drafted is a very personal decision. These documents are custom tailored to meet the needs and desires of each individual client. Many individuals come to the conclusion that they do not want any life-prolonging procedures performed on them if they are at the end of their life. Others may want to specify certain procedures or treatment they desire. The decision as to the particular wording and drafting of this document is something that our office will discuss in detail with you taking into consideration your beliefs and wishes.
Drafting a detailed Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Health Care Directive ensures that the medical treatment you receive will meet your wishes. Second, the existence of this document almost always removes a great burden from your relatives who would otherwise be faced with an extremely difficult decision at a time when they are already very emotionally upset and traumatized.
Our office is well versed in the law surrounding health care directives, can answer your questions and guide you through this sometimes complex maze. After a thorough consultation with you, your document will be drafted to meet your specific needs. Contact us today to learn how we can provide the proper documents to achieve your wishes.
