End Of Life Care; What You Should Know

Understanding Advance Directives
End of life care


A written statement that honor's a person's wish regarding their medical treatment which often includes a living will. The document only goes into effect if the person is unable to give informed consent.

Although a lawyer is not needed to fill out an advance directive, once signed in front of the required witnesses it becomes legally valid in the United States.

Some states does not honor out of state Advance Directives, each state has their own laws regarding Advance Directives so be sure to understand your state law.

Common Advance Directives

} Living Will

} Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care

} Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)

} Organ Donation Directives

} Order for Life Sustaining Treatment

} Advance Directives for Psychiatric Care

Emergency Medical Personnel can not honor a Living Will or a Durable Power of Attorney once called, they must do whatever is necessary in order to stabilize the patient before transferring them to the hospital.

An Advance Directives remain effective unless you change it, they do not expire.