Advanced Directives

Advanced Planning

Several high profile life-sustaining cases have made national news. These people were mainly young and experienced an unexpected life-changing trauma. The reason they were in the news was due to ensuing legal battles regarding what others thought their wishes might have been for care in these circumstances. There was no advanced directive or appointed power of attorney in these instances. A power of attorney is someone authorized to make decisions if no living will exists. Patients are encouraged to do advanced care planning, designating a power of attorney as that person who would be capable of making decisions for the patient when they are incapable, communicating to family members and the power of attorney to make them aware what their wishes are, and to provide written directives as to their values and what is important to them. It is ideal that the patient also advise their physician what their wishes are. Physicians can help their patients with these decisions and should also note the patient’s wishes in their medical chart. The MSD Board of Trustees agreed with the Committee on Ethic’s recommendation that living wills be available in the physicians’ offices. Patients need to be instructed on the completion of the document and its requirements and, once completed, be reviewed by the physician with the patient.

Several sites are available to down load documents including living wills. The following link provides helpful information in describing advanced directives, living wills and health care proxies. http://www.uslivingwillregistry.com/ Individual state forms can be obtained and information on not only preparing but registering advanced directives electronically is also available. Please note that each state has its own statutes regarding living wills and power of attorney.

Advance Care Health Directive Form Delaware Health and Social Services
Advance Directives/Living Wills Delaware Health and Social Services
Advance Health Care Directives Delaware Attorney General
Are Advance Directives Mandatory? Delaware Health and Social Services
Chapter 25: Health Care Decisions State of Delaware
Do I Need a Lawyer To Complete My Advance Directive or Living Will? Delaware Health and Social Services
Living Wills and Advance Directives Delaware Hospice
Pre-Hospital Advanced Care Directive Delaware General Assembly
What Are Advance Directives and Living Wills? Delaware Health and Social Services
What Is a Power of Attorney for Health Care? Delaware Health and Social Services
What Should I Do With My Advance Directive? Delaware Health and Human Services
Where Can I Get More Information About Advance Directives? Delaware Health and Human Services
Who Witnesses the Signing of an Advance Directive? Delaware Health and Human Services