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Hospice
Advanced directives
The term advance directive describes two types of legal documents that
enable you to plan for and communicate your end-of-life wishes in the event
you are unable to communicate.
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A living will allows you to document your wishes concerning medical
treatments at the end of life.
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A medical power of attorney (or health care
proxy) allows you to appoint a person you trust as your health care agent
(or surrogate decision maker), who is authorized to make medical decisions
on your behalf.
Advance directives are legally valid throughout the United
States. The laws vary from state to state, so
it is important to complete and sign advance directives that comply with
your state's law.
Living wills and medical powers of attorney are valuable tools to help
communicate wishes about future medical care. Thoughtfully prepared advance
directives can ease the burden on those who must make healthcare decisions
for us.
Advance directives identify who you wish to speak for you and make
decisions if you become unable to speak for yourself as the result of an
accident or illness. Without advance directives, decisions might not be made
by people who know you or your wishes. Advance directives give you a voice
in decisions about your medical treatment, even if you are unconscious or
too ill to communicate.
To download a copy of Oklahoma's Advanced Directive,
click here.
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