What is a health care directive?
A health care directive is a written document that informs others of your wishes about your health care. It allows you to indicate the treatment you want or do not want if you become unable to speak for yourself. It also allows you to name a person or agent to make treatment decisions for you. You must be at least 18 years old to make a health care directive.

How long does a health care directive last?
Health care directives or other advance directives do not expire, but you should review them periodically to make sure they continue to fit your needs. You should also check with your provider about whether you have to renew your health care directive under their policy.

What kind of health care decisions should I consider when I write my health care directive?
You should consider your thoughts and feelings on what you would like to achieve through health care treatment and your beliefs and values related to health care and related issues.

What if my health care provider refuses to follow the instructions of my health care agent?
Your agent has the same ability as you do to make decisions about your health care. Health care providers must follow the health care agent's directions to the extent allowed by reasonable medical practice. This does not mean the health care agent can demand treatment that will not help you or that the provider is not able to provide. If the provider is not able to comply with the agent's directions for life-sustaining treatment, the provider must promptly transfer you to another provider who is able to do so.

Who should know about my health care directive?
You decide who may see your health care directive. It is a good idea to tell your health care agent, family, close friends, health care provider and attorney and give them copies of it. Do not keep it in a safe deposit box where it would be inaccessible when needed.

Will I still be treated if I do not make a health care directive?
Yes. Making a health care directive is your choice. A provider can't discriminate against you based on whether or not you have a health care directive.

If I have any other questions, whom should I ask?
If you have any other questions about health care directives, your own unique situations or your options, contact your doctor, other health care provider, attorney or other qualified advisor. These people should be able to answer most of your questions.

Link to "Health Care Directive" form and instructions, click here.