Advance
Directives (Living Will & Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare)
Information in Es Spanol
As health care
and medical technology have grown in complexity, so too have decisions
regarding their use. This is especially true in regard to procedures
that prolong life. Some people wish to take advantage of every possibility
to extend life; others do not. This decision often comes at a time
when the individual concerned is not able to express his or her
wishes.
This is why
a growing number of people are considering and stating their choices
in writing while they are able to do so. Such a written statement
about personal health care choices is called an advance directive.
When individuals
are admitted to the hospital, they (or their family members) are
asked if the individual has health care advance directives. If so
and if a copy is available, it is made part of the patient's hospital
record.
If you do not
have advance directives, you may want to consider forming advance
directives, either now or in the near future. It is reasonable and
appropriate for adults of every age to consider advance directives.
Some people like to talk to their physician about this, and it is
also a good idea to involve family members. It is not necessary
to consult an attorney in order for advance directives to be legally
binding, but you may want to do so.
Iowa law provides
two types of advance directives: The Declaration Relating to Use
of Life-Sustaining Procedures, known as a Living Will, and the Durable
Power of Attorney for Health Care.
Copies of legal
forms are available here
from the Iowa State Bar Association.
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