Advance directives allow you to express your wishes regarding health care decisions in the event that you are incapacitated and cannot communicate your preferences yourself.

Components of Advance Directives

Usually advance directives address two distinct issues: 1) directions regarding end-of-life medical care – a living will and, 2) designation of a health care agent to act in the event of incapacity –  a health care power of attorney. These two parts are often combined into one document and called an advance health care directive or by a similar name..

• Living Will: A living will may also be called a health care declaration, or something similar. The person who makes a living will is sometimes called the declarant.   A living will is different from a last will and testament, which directs the distribution of a decedent’s estate.   A living will, on the other hand, takes effect during the declarant’s lifetime and tells medical professionals the type of care the declarant desires should she become incapable of expressing such wishes herself.

Many state laws on advance directives set forth a statutory form which covers some aspects of end-of-life medical care, containing blanks for individual directions and providing that other forms of living will are also valid (although the state laws regarding manner of execution are generally mandatory).

Maryland’s law provides a statutory form that covers three end-of-life situations: 1) Terminal condition (death is imminent), 2) Persistent vegetative state (coma), and 3) End stage condition (incurable condition that will result in death).  For each, there are three choices for level of care: a) just keep me comfortable, b) keep me comfortable and use an i.v. for hydration or nutrition if necessary, and c) use all appropriate medical interventions to prolong my life.

A living will can address other subjects including: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); artificial life-sustaining equipment (ventilators, dialysis machines, etc.), and organ donation.

These, of course, are deeply personal decisions that require thoughtful consideration if the living is to reflect the declarant’s values and wishes.

• Health Care Power of Attorney: A health care power of attorney may also be called a medical power of attorney or durable power of attorney for health care (among other names). You use it to nominate someone to oversee your healthcare decisions in the event you are unable to do so, either temporarily or permanently.  The person who makes the health care power of attorney is sometimes call the principal.  The person named in the document to make decisions for the principal may be referred to as an attorney-in-fact, health care proxy, health care agent, health care surrogate, or something similar.

Regardless of what the agent is called, he is obligated by law to follow your instructions regarding health care decisions.  Your instructions are included in your living will or in the health care power of attorney.  Depending upon your situation, the selection of your primary and back-up health care agent may be obvious and perfectly satisfactory – your spouse or your local and responsible child, etc.  Sometimes it is a tough choice requiring careful thought and difficult conversations.  But it is always an important choice.

When is the best time to create an advance directive?

The best time to create an advance directive is when you’re healthy because you have the opportunity to consider your options carefully when immediate health concerns aren’t on your mind. You can also discuss your choices with your loved ones ahead of time.

It is especially advisable for those who are scheduled to undergo surgery or who are critically or terminally ill to consider making an advance directive.

When does an advance directive take effect?

In general, the provisions of your living will become applicable when you are unable to make or communicate decisions regarding your medical care.  Your health care agent has authority under your advance directive under the conditions specified in the document or under state law – usually when you are unable to make or communicate the decisions yourself.  So your doctors and your health care agent will refer to, and generally be bound by, the instructions in your living will.

Can I change an advance directive?

Your advance directive remains in effect from the time you sign it until and unless you change it, which you can do at any time.  You should review your advance directive periodically to make sure it still accurately reflects your wishes regarding your medical care. If you do want to modify an advance directive, it is often advisable to simply create a new one so there is no potential confusion created by conflicting changes.

Where should I store my advance directive?

You should make several copies of your advance directive. Keep the original in a safe place that is accessible to your health care agent and let someone know where it is.  You should provide copies to the person named in the document as your agent, your doctors, and anyone else you think may be involved in your medical care.

Conclusion.

Illness or old age eventually come to us all. The time will probably come when you will need an Advance Medical Directive.  An Advance Medical Directive should be included in every estate plan. Contact us if you have questions or want to make an Advance Medical Directive.