Broaden your understanding of advance directives and your responsibility to become familiar with a patient's advance directives.

Course includes a video and audio component with stand-alone exam

FAQ's

What is an advanced healthcare directive?

An advanced healthcare directive, often referred to as a living will, personal directive, or medical directive, is a legal document. In this directive, an individual specifies what actions should be taken regarding their health if they are unable to make decisions due to illness or incapacitation.

How do you get an advanced healthcare directive?

To get an advanced healthcare directive, you typically have a form that differs from state to state in the U.S. These forms are generally available online. Consult with a healthcare professional, lawyer, or local health department to guide you through the process of completing the directive accurately. Some also opt to employ an estate planning attorney.

What information is on an advanced directive for healthcare?

Advanced healthcare directives contain instructions about any aspect of your health care that you choose to include. This might encompass your preferences about the use of CPR if your breathing or heartbeat stops, what types of medicine or treatments for life-sustaining therapies you would want like mechanical ventilation, tube feeding, dialysis, etc., pain management, and organ or tissue donation.

Who should have my advanced healthcare directive?

Copies of your advanced healthcare directive should ideally be shared with several trusted individuals and entities. This could include your primary healthcare provider, a trusted family member or friend, the person you appoint as your healthcare representative, and any medical facilities where you receive care like your local hospital.

Why should a person get an advanced healthcare directive?

A person should get an advanced healthcare directive to ensure their medical treatment preferences are respected even when they cannot communicate or make decisions due to a medical condition. The advanced directive can act as a guide for healthcare professionals and loved ones faced with making care decisions, reducing uncertainty during stressful times.