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...]