Athens-Limestone Hospital Advance Directives

The two most common types of advance directives are the living will and durable power of attorney. A regular will is a document that states how you want your estate handled after your death. It takes effect after you die. A living will is a document that states what kind of medical care you want (feeding tubes or artificial breathing, for example) if you are too ill to make that decision. It does not become effective unless you are terminally ill, with no chance of recovery. A durable power of attorney is another kind of advance directive that allows you to name a person who will make medical decisions for you if you are unable to make them for yourself. A third kind of advance directive is a do not resuscitate order, which means you do not want medical staff to try to revive you if your heart stops beating or you stop breathing.

The durable power of attorney can be anyone you choose – spouse, son, daughter, or friend. This person does NOT have to be a lawyer.

Just as a regular will can be changed, and advance directive can be modified or even canceled, if you change your mind.

If you travel or vacation in another state, you do not need a separate advance directive for that state. If you move, however, you should prepare a new advance directive to meet the laws of the new state.

You do not need a special form to write an advance directive. You can write your own, but special forms may make the task easier. Keep in mind that each state has its own requirements about advance directives. You can obtain a copy of an advance directive form from the hospital.

Athens-Limestone Hospital’s policy about advance directives (AD) says that we are to provide all competent adult patients, 19 and older, with written information about advance directives upon admission. In ambulatory care areas, there is signage informing patients that information is available upon request.

Upon admission, the nurse asks the patient if they have an advance directive. The nurse makes a copy if presented or asks the patient to bring in their advance directive. If more information is needed, the nurse may refer them to the booklet and to the Discharge Planner for follow-up. We honor the patient’s right to formulate, review, and revise advance directives.

Hospital employees are not allowed to witness a written advance directive or provide legal advice.

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