National Healthcare Decisions Day pushes for advance planning

April 17, 2010 By

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. [Read more...]

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Important documents best handled by attorney

February 11, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: My husband and I have been trying to organize our affairs. An attorney drew up our wills. Is it necessary to retain an attorney to create a living will and health care proxy? Where can we obtain the forms? I have already checked with two of my physicians and they do not have forms for advanced directives.

DEAR READER: Most attorneys have the necessary forms on file for people who need them. I suggest that you work with your lawyer who can also advise you about filling them out correctly. If you do not wish to do this, I recommend you check with your local hospital. These facilities often have the necessary forms and may offer assistance with filling them out.
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