An advance directive is a way to tell your loved ones and doctors your wishes if something happens and you can’t speak for yourself. A directive can include the type and extent of your medical care.

States generally allow a person (principal) to appoint another person (agent) to make health care decisions, receive protected health information, or both on the principal’s behalf. In many states, ...

Knowing a loved one’s wishes before a medical emergency can turn impossible decisions into acts of care.

If something serious happens to someone you love – so serious they would be incapable of making any health care decisions – are they prepared? Are you prepared? Probably not. The Centers for Disease ...

Many agree on the factors contributing to a good death. People want to be treated with dignity, have relief from pain and, as much as possible, to control what happens to them. Advance care planning ...

Are you interested in having one on file? The best time to prepare your Advanced Medical Directive (pdf) is before a circumstance arises where one may be needed. An Advance Health Care Directive (or ...

Completing an advance directive form is a great way to write down health care wishes before a medical crisis occurs. These legal documents help loved ones and doctors know what medical treatments a ...

It is never too early to discuss care preferences for patients with Alzheimer disease or other dementias. Alzheimer disease is a life-limiting disease with a median survival time from diagnosis of 4.2 ...

No one likes to think about worst-case scenarios, particularly when it comes to their future health problems, and what could happen in the event they are unable to make their own health care decisions ...

Advance directives enable individuals to exercise control over their futures and ensure that the care they receive at the end of their lives is pursuant to their wishes. Yet, the majority of ...

An advance healthcare directive is a type of legal document that allows you to state your wishes regarding future medical care. You can appoint someone – often a trusted friend or family member – to ...