Advance directives are important documents that outline a person’s wishes regarding medical treatment in case they cannot communicate them. These directives provide clear instructions to health care providers and family members, ensuring that a person’s preferences come to fruition.
Understanding the types of advance directives Alabama recognizes can help individuals make informed decisions about their health care.
Living will
A living will is a common type of advance directive. It allows individuals to specify their preferences for end-of-life care. This includes decisions about life-sustaining treatments such as mechanical ventilation, feeding tubes and resuscitation efforts. By having a living will, individuals can ensure others follow their wishes, even if they cannot communicate them due to illness or incapacity.
Durable power of attorney for health care
Another important advance directive is the durable power of attorney for health care. This document allows people to appoint a trusted person to make medical decisions on their behalf if they cannot do so. The appointed agent can make health care decisions, from choosing treatments to selecting health care providers. This ensures that someone who understands the individual’s values and wishes can advocate for them in medical settings.
Do not resuscitate order
A do not resuscitate order is an advance directive that specifically addresses the individual’s wishes regarding resuscitation. By signing a DNR order, individuals can instruct healthcare providers not to perform CPR or other life-saving measures if their heart stops or if they stop breathing. Both the individual and his or her physician must sign the DNR order for it to maintain validity.
Combination directives
Some advance directives combine elements of a living will and a durable power of attorney for health care. These comprehensive documents provide both specific instructions about medical treatments and designate an agent to make decisions.
By preparing these documents, people can have peace of mind knowing others will follow and respect their health care decisions.