Healthcare is an essential part of our lives, and sometimes our loved ones may require medical treatment or healthcare at a time when they are unable to communicate their wishes. Whether because of cognitive impairment, unconsciousness, or mental healthcare needs, proper legal planning and healthcare planning documents are helpful. With regard to medical decision-making, various documents exist to allow individuals to appoint another to make healthcare decisions in advance and to ensure their wishes are known (and followed) when they are unable to communicate those wishes.
Healthcare planning documents, such as Healthcare Powers of Attorney and Advance Healthcare Directives, are critical in situations such as cognitive impairment, terminal illness, permanent unconsciousness, or when someone has a life-threatening condition. They are also useful when a person is undergoing medical procedures and a risk of complications or adverse reaction exists. By having advanced healthcare directives, patients can have peace of mind knowing that their wishes will be respected and followed, even when they are not able to communicate them.
As noted above, there are several types of healthcare planning documents, and each serves a different purpose. Some of the most common forms of advanced healthcare directives include:
Living Will: A living will is a legal document that outlines a person’s wishes regarding medical treatment in the event of a terminal illness or permanent unconsciousness.
Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare: This document allows a person to appoint someone else to make healthcare decisions on their behalf if they cannot do so.
Do Not Resuscitate/Intubate/Hospitalize (DNR/DNI/DNH) Order: These three medical orders may be used separately or in conjunction. They instruct healthcare providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of cardiac arrest, not to hospitalize in the event of a health crisis, and/or not to intubate for artificial respiration.
It is important to note DNR/DNI/DNH are mostly honored in healthcare and long-term care settings. It is unlikely that EMTs or paramedics called to a private residence would honor such a document.
Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): POLST is a medical order that outlines a person’s preferences regarding life-sustaining treatment. It is often used by individuals with advanced illnesses or those nearing the end of life. While this could be considered a legal document, it is prepared between a patient and their physician. The form is color-coded and becomes part of the medical record.
The importance of healthcare planning documents cannot be overstated. They ensure that you make your own decisions regarding medical treatment and that your wishes are respected, even when you cannot communicate them. Advanced healthcare directives may prevent disputes among family members regarding medical treatment decisions. When family members are aware of a person’s wishes, it can be easier to make decisions about medical treatment.
Along with helping patients and their families, healthcare planning documents may also help healthcare providers by providing clear instructions. This allows healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about medical treatment and avoid unnecessary medical procedures, reduce healthcare costs, and improve patient outcomes.
Creating these documents may be complex, but it is always necessary. It typically involves consulting with an attorney and/or healthcare provider to ensure that the documents are legally binding and accurately reflect a person’s wishes. Once the documents are complete, it is important to share them with family members, healthcare providers, and anyone else who may be involved in a person’s medical care.
Healthcare planning documents are essential. They allow you to make informed decisions about medical treatment in advance and ensure these wishes are carried out if you are unable to communicate those wishes. This planning will provide you and your loved ones with peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be respected and followed, even when you are unable to communicate them. The attorneys and care advocates at Rothkoff Law Group will help you navigate the legal and healthcare complexities of this planning. Contact us today: 877-475-1101.
