Health Care Directive

A health care directive is a legal document that allows you (the “principal”) the power to appoint an individual (known as the “health care agent”) to make health care decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated. A health care directive also allows you to communicate your wishes about illness, end-of-life care, cremation vs. burial, organ donation and more.

Examples of the types of information and instructions that may be included in your health care directive are as follows:

• The person(s) you would like to list as your health care agent and alternate health care agent;
• Instructions regarding whether or not you wish to receive artificial life sustaining measures;
• Instructions regarding care during an illness;
• Instructions regarding artificial nutrition and hydration;
• Instructions regarding pain medications;
• Instructions regarding whether you wish to donate organs upon your death;
• Instructions pertaining to your wishes about burial vs. cremation;
• Your wishes regarding funeral arrangements, if applicable;
• Information regarding care facilities (such as nursing homes and hospitals) where you would like to receive care