Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare and Advance Directives
As a patient at Hackley Hospital, you have the right to participate in the decisions that affect your medical care. The determination of what is appropriate treatment is ultimately the decision of the patient and should be based on a consideration of both the potential benefits of the treatment, as well as the potential risks or burdens.
Exercising your rights may be especially difficult in the case of a decision regarding use of life-support systems, such as a respirator or tube feedings. Decisions in such cases can also be difficult for your family or loved ones. If you are able to make your own decisions, your treatment is based upon your wishes. If you are unable to make these decisions, the law has decided that others may be required to make these decisions for you. They are your legal guardians, your patient advocate (a person who you have designated as having Healthcare Durable Power of Attorney). The hospital and medical staff strongly encourages you to exercise these rights.
Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare/Advance Directives
¿Desea establecer cómo le gustaría que lo trataran si estuviera demasiado enfermo o no pudiera hablar por usted mismo? Un formulario de Instrucciones anticipadas le permite expresar sus deseos de atención médica antes de una lesión o enfermedad grave. El hospital y el personal médico
recomiendan encarecidamente que se tome el tiempo de planificar para el futuro.
Instrucciones anticipadas y Poder duradero para la atención médica.
Questions and Answers Regarding Medical Durable Power of Attorney and Advance Directives
What is an "advanced directive"?
An advance directive is a written document in which you specify what type of medical care you want in the future should you lose the ability to make decisions.
Must I have an advance directive?
No. The decision to have an advance directive is purely voluntary. No family member, hospital or insurance company can force you to have one, or dictate what the document should say if you decide to write one.
What is a "durable power of attorney for health care"?
A durable power of attorney for health care, also known as a health care proxy, is a document in which you give another person power to make medical treatment and related personal care decisions for you.
Is a durable power of attorney for health care legally binding in Michigan?
Yes, based on a recent state law.
What powers can I give a patient advocate?
You can give a patient advocate power to make those personal care decisions you normally make for yourself. For example, you can give your patient advocate power to consent to or refuse medical treatment for you, to contract for home health care or adult day care, arrange care in a nursing home or move you to a home for the aged.
When can the patient advocate act in my behalf?
The patient advocate can make decisions for you only when your doctor and one other doctor or psychologist determine that you are unable to participate in medical treatment decisions.
Can I give my patient advocate the right to make decisions to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment?
Yes, but you must express in a clear and convincing manner that the patient advocate is authorized to make such decisions, and you must acknowledge these decisions could or would allow your death.
What is a "living will"?
A living will is a written statement in which you inform doctors and family members what type of medical care you wish to receive should you become unable to make or communicate decisions about your continued care.
Can I have both a durable power of attorney for health care and a living will?
Yes. You could have a single document or two separate documents. If in separate writings, you should make sure your wishes expressed in the two writings are consistent. If in a single document you should comply with the technical requirements of the durable power of attorney for health care law.
If you would like more information about Durable Power of Attorney and Advance Directive, please call 728.4936 or 728.4629 and speak with one of Hackley Hospital's social workers.
