| Advance Directives |
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Click on the link below to access the Texas Department of State Health Services for additional information and forms. http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/alzheimers/legal.shtm It can be hard for doctors and loved ones to know what kind of treatment you would want when you are too sick to tell them. Advance directives are legal documents designed to allow competent patients the opportunity to guide future health care decisions in the event that they are unable to participate directly in medical decision making. The two basic types of advance directives are Declaration to Physicians (Living Will) and Power of Attorney-Health Care |
| Declaration to Physicians (Living Will) |
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A Living Will, or "Declaration to Physicians," is a signed and notarized legal document in which you declare that in the event you have a terminal illness or injury, you want to die naturally and not be kept alive by extraordinary or artificial means. Once your Living Will is executed, the original should be made part of your medical record. Give copies to family members and friends who are likely to be involved in your health care decision-making. |
| Power of Attorney - Health Care |
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A durable power of attorney (DPA) for health care is another kind of advance directive. A DPA is a legal document that states the person you have chosen to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to make those decisions for yourself. It becomes active any time you are unconscious or unable to make medical decisions. A DPA is generally more useful than a living will. However, a DPA may not be a good choice if you don't have another person you trust to make these decisions for you. The person you choose to act on your behalf is called a health care "agent". Anyone of sound mind who is at least 18 years old may be designated as your health care agent except for your health care provider, or an employee of your health care provider, unless that person is your relative. Upon completion of your Health Care Power of Attorney, give the original document to your physician. Give copies to your health care agent, your family members, and your attorney. |