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Overview
Life is uncertain. Persons of all ages may unexpectedly be in a position where they cannot speak for themselves, such as an accident or severe illness. Having an advance healthcare directive assures that your doctor knows your wishes about the kind of care you want and/or who you have designated to make decisions on your behalf.
Previously, many individuals felt that the requirements and wording in the previous laws about healthcare decisions were too technical and cumbersome for the average consumer.
Therefore, the Health Care Decisions Law became effective July 1, 2000 in order to provide more clarity for the consumer.
The law allows for a new flexible form---called the Advance Healthcare Directive ---that may serve as tool to express your wishes and desires for treatment. The form can also serve one or both of the following functions: Power of Attorney for Healthcare (to appoint an agent or "surrogate" who can speak on your behalf) and/or Instructions for Healthcare (to indicate your wishes).
An Advance Healthcare Directive form can include preferences about accepting or refusing life-sustaining treatment (such as CPR, feeding tubes or breathing machines), receiving pain medication, making organ donations, indicating your primary care physician for providing your care, or other wishes that you are unable to communicate.
Hospitals cannot require that you have an Advance Healthcare Directive form; however, it is helpful because it allows the physician and healthcare team to provide you with the treatment you would choose for yourself.
Hoag Hospital is committed to respecting patient wishes as provided in Advance Healthcare Directives or as otherwise made known to family and friends. If you are concerned that you or a loved one’s Advance Directive is not being honored, or if you feel that your rights are being violated in any way, please contact patient relations for assistance. If you feel they are not providing the help you are seeking, you may address your concerns to the state department of health services or office of civil rights.
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