Medical decision-making is a patient's right. Adults have the right to control their own medical care by consenting to or refusing medical treatment. Patients have the right to understand their health problems, potential care options, and what effect accepting or rejecting various treatments might have on their quality of life.
- A person’s right to control his or her health care decisions does not end if they become incapable. There are times when health care decisions may need to be made when an individual is no longer able to decide or communicate his or her preferences. Adults of all ages are at risk as a result of an injury or illness.
- Putting your wishes in writing is the best way to help make sure your wishes will be known and followed by family, friends, health care providers, and others.
- A Health Care Directive is a tool which allows you to:
- Appoint another person (called an agent) to make health care decisions for you if you become unable to make or communicate decisions for yourself (Part I), or
- Leave written instructions so that others can make decisions based on your wishes and preferences (Part II), or
- Do both -- appoint a health care agent and leave instructions.
You are encouraged, but not required, to complete both Part I and Part II of the Health Care Directive form. Knowing who you want to make decisions for you and providing instructions to your decision makers helps reduce future questions and conflicts.
Related materials