When was the last time you were sick? Overworked? Felt faint? Dizzy? Nauseous?
Illness is something we tend not to think about most of the time. Most of us only think about it when forced to by circumstance.
In the event of poor health, everyone wants to have their medical treatment wishes respected. This is where an Advanced Care Directive (ACD) can come in handy.
It is always best to prepare for any situation even though it may never occur. An ACD can guarantee your medical treatment wishes will be respected- even if your decision-making capacity is impaired.
What is an ACD
An Advanced Care Directive (ACD) it is often referred to as a “Living Will”. It is a legal document that outlines your medical preferences in anticipation of a time in the future when you may be rendered incapable of clear verbal expression.
It is an optional legal document that allows you to prepare for your future. The ACD is a legally binding document in most states under statute and common law, in relation to your right to determine your own medical treatment.
You may not be a fan of making tough decisions now for a future that might never happen and that’s fair enough. However, an ACD can be helpful not only for you, but for all those involved in your medical treatment and care. This includes healthcare professionals, family members and friends.
An ACD may be particularly relevant if you have a strong belief when it comes to life-sustaining treatments. Drafting an ACD with your specific wishes can guarantee they will be respected by those in charge of your care whenever that time comes.
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What you need to know before drafting an ACD
A few conditions need to be met in order for an ACD to have proper authority.
- Specificity
The ACD should be clear and specific in order to guide all involved parties about both existing conditions as well as anticipated conditions.
- Competence
You should be declared competent to make decisions regarding your healthcare when drafting an ACD. Competence includes your capacity to comprehend, retain, and weigh up all the relevant information (in partnership with your healthcare professionals) and formulate a conclusion.
- Currency
As you will need to draft your ACD ahead of time, make sure you review it regularly. This will ensure it still reflects your current intentions and medical wishes over time.
- Witnessing
Whilst it is not necessary to have your ACD witnessed- it can help to confirm your competence at the time of its drafting. It can also protect your ACD against forgery.
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Medical situations an ACD can cover
- Medical treatment preferences;
- Unacceptable situations in which life-sustaining treatment is applied (severe brain injury);
- How far treatment should go depending on your condition (terminal, incurable or irreversible);
- Nomination of a substitute decision-maker that healthcare professionals can collaborate with in regards to discussions involving treatment decisions;
- Other non-medical aspects of care like providing a level of comfort or relevant dietary considerations;
[ctt template=”7″ link=”HoOcc” via=”yes” ]Tip: Make sure you give a copy of your ACD to your substitute decision-maker and the healthcare professionals responsible for your medical care.[/ctt]
It is important to inform all the parties responsible for your care of the content of your ACD, as well as any further revisions or additions to it.
When you decide it’s time for you to draft your ACD, there are a couple of ways you can do it. You can prepare it within your enduring guardianship appointment documents or you can draft it independently. Whatever your preference, make sure you seek professional advice first.
Important decisions like these can weigh heavily on both you and your loved ones. Make sure you have all the information and professional advice you need before making any final decisions.
The specialists here at Shuriken Consulting can assist you with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your insurance and ACD. Get in touch with us now.
