DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a registered nurse. My local hospital has been gearing up for this year’s National Healthcare Decisions Day. This is the second annual and is still very new. I am writing in the hopes that you will print something in your column to help get the word out about this important issue. You can also refer interested individuals to the National Healthcare Decisions Day website at www.NationalHealthcareDecisionsDay.org. Please let all your readers know of the importance of advance directives. Thank you.
DEAR READER: My local hospital is also gearing up for this event (as I imagine many hospitals around the United States are), so consider it done. As you have said, National Healthcare Decisions Day (April 16) is a time to recognize and acknowledge the importance of having advance directives in case of medical emergencies, terminal illness or permanent disability. These types of documentation include living wills, do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders and a durable power of attorney (DPA). The directives state the wishes of the individual while still living in regards to what medical procedures they wish to have performed, who can make decisions regarding treatment, and whether they wish to undergo heroic measures to restore life should they be unable to make those decisions themselves at the time.
A durable power of attorney is the appointment of a person or persons that the individual trusts fully to make important medical decisions regarding treatment under specific circumstances. This comes into play only should the patient be unconscious or otherwise incapacitated and unable to express his or her wishes. DPAs are often considered more useful than a living will, but many peopole have both as a means to ensure their wishes are carried out.
A living will is a written legal document, signed, witnessed, and generally notarized. Each state has different requirements, so it is important that you obtain a form from your physician or state agency to ensure that it will be recognized within your home state.
At this point, I should mention that living wills and DPAs are legal in most states but not all. It is, therefore, important to also notify your loved ones and physicians of your wishes so that they may keep your wishes and best interests in mind should a situation arise in which you cannot speak for yourself.
The final advance directive is known as a DNR order recognized by all physicians and hospitals in the United States. The directive expresses an individual’s wishes not to have heroic measures taken, such as CPR, in the event that the heart stops beating or breathing stops.
Everyone should have at least a living will or DPA, if not both. A DNR is more appropriate for the elderly and those with a terminal illness or permanent disability that does not allow for a good quality of life.
Anyone interested in learning more about these documents should speak with his or her physician, lawyer or go online to the website you mentioned. There are also several websites where forms can be downloaded. It is important to ensure that if you decide to download the forms, you choose the type legal in your state. You may wish to check with your state website to see if it has forms available. In this way, you are sure to get the appropriate version.
Thank you for writing to help get the word out about National Healthcare Decisions Day. As I said before, advance directions are important documents for every adult.
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