Health
Care
Directives
Other
common terms for the health care directives include “living
will,”
“advanced directives” or “health
care power of attorney.”
Health care
directive is a written document you can write regarding your
wishes about medical treatments given in advance of
an incapacitating illness. A health care directive then gives direction to
your family and physician about what decisions you would
want made. A health care directive is used when you cannot
communicate your decisions for yourself.
West River
Health Services (WRHS) supports your right to make informed
decisions about medical care. WRHS has policies and procedures
in place to ensure that each patient’s
health care directive is honored. These policies follow
the laws of North Dakota.
What is the Patient Self-Determination
Act?
The Patient Self-Determination Act is a federal
law that requires health care providers to educate their
patients and the community on issues related to health care
directives.
It requires
all facilities certified by Medicare and Medicaid to furnish
written information so that patients have the opportunity to
express their wishes regarding the use or refusal of medical
care, including life-prolonging treatment, nutrition and hydration.
The federal
law takes no stand on what decisions persons should make. It
does not require persons to have a health care directive.
How
do I get started?
Before writing down your instructions,
you should talk to those people closest to you and who are
concerned about your care and feelings. Discuss your wishes
with your family, your doctor, friends and other appropriate
people, such as a member of your clergy or your lawyer. These
are the people who will be involved with your health care,
if you are unable to make your own decisions.
It is never
too early to begin this decision making process; you shouldn’t
postpone it until you are seriously ill or in the hospital. Completing
a form is less complicated when completing it at home.
When you
are a patient, the physicians and nurses can serve as
resources for you. They are available to answer your questions
about the forms, and help you with concerns. They cannot provide
legal advice; you would have to consult an attorney for answers
to specific legal questions.
- North Dakota forms are available at WRHS upon your request.
You do not need an attorney to develop a health care directive.
- If you have completed a health care directive, it is important
that WRHS has a copy on your chart. If you bring a copy, we
will make duplicates for your medical record. A copy should
also be discussed and given to your agent/health care power
of attorney. A health care directive can be changed or revoked
by you at any time.
- If you are admitted for care at WRHS a nurse will be asking
you about any choices you have made regarding health care directives.
It is required by law that we ask you if you have a health
care directive and provide you with this information.
North Dakota
Law
Any living will or health care power of attorney created
prior to August 1, 2005 will remain valid.
Who will speak for you if you can't speak for yourself?
To download the printable form, click below.
ND Advance Health Care Planning Resource Guide (PDF)
