What is an Advance Directive?
This is a document to clarify what type of medical care you do and do not want in the event you are unable to make your own medical decisions.
Family members can be placed in uncomfortable positions when a family member can no longer make their own health choices and cannot communicate to the family member what their health care desires are for their treatment. These decisions can very traumatic for families to make and sometimes cause disparities to the point it becomes a legal matter.
By having an advance directive, you will be able to make your preferences concerning medical care recognized by your healthcare providers, family, and friends.
Living Will
Is a document that allows you to define the types of life-sustaining treatment or measures that you do or do not want in the event that you have a fatal or irreparable condition and cannot communicate your own medical choices.
Medical Power of Attorney
The second type is called a “medical power of attorney.” It names who would make decisions about your medical care if you can’t. Choose a trusted family member or friend. Medical power of attorney goes into effect if a doctor says you’re unable to make your own decisions.
LaPOST (Louisiana Physician Order for Scope of Treatment)
This document is written in the format of a physician’s order and allows you to document your wishes concerning specific types of life-sustaining care.
Durable Power of Attorney
A durable power of attorney allows you to assign someone, of your choosing, to make medical and end-of-life decisions on your behalf in the event that you have a fatal or irreparable situation and cannot communicate your own medical choices. By using the word “durable,” the individual you assign is given authority to make decisions even if you before incompetent.
State’s Laws
Advance directive laws may differ from state to state. It’s imperative to fill out the forms that are specific to the state where you live, or where you expect to receive medical care.
Please understand that this information is given to add to the care provided by your physician. It is not to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL 911 IMMIDIATELY IF YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.