The term "Advanced
Care Directives" refers to the designation of treatment options and
surrogate decision-makers, when a person should be unable to make medical
decisions on their behalf.
Advanced Care Directives were developed as a result of
widespread concerns over patients suffering from undesired medical treatment
and procedures in an attempt to save lives at any cost.
In Advanced Care
Directives, you can either write both:
• In the future, with a legally binding instructions about
medical treatment, a directional instruction that you agree or deny
• A values directive that documents your values and
priorities for your medical treatment decision maker, who thinks of making a
decision for you.
You must have the ability to make decisions to make Advanced Care Directives.
From a practical perspective, medical instructions and
living desires allow a person to take care of medical care and circumstances
when they are unable to make a decision temporarily or permanently or make
decisions. By documenting personal desires and priorities, the burden of
decision-making of family and physicians is greatly reduced. Also, patient
autonomy and dignity are preserved by preparing medical care on the basis of
someone's own choices, despite mental or physical ability.
Directive instructions are completed by the person with the
ability to make decisions. They are effective only when a person loses their
ability to make decisions (mentally disabled). While one person maintains the
ability to make decisions, it is the final decision maker instead of a health
care proxy or surrogate decision-maker.
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Advanced Care Directives |
Advanced Care
Directives Facts:
• Advanced Care
Directives are designed to outline the wishes and priorities of a person in
relation to medical treatment and intervention.
• When a patient is unable to make their medical decisions,
a health care proxy can work on behalf of the patient to make a decision and
may decide on the basis of the patient's stated desire.
• Advance care guidelines can vary from state to state.
• You may need help from your personal physician and an
attorney to prepare a proper Advanced Care
Directives form.
Advanced Care Directives
are important documents that should be included with each individual's personal
medical records.
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