"How can I ensure that my wishes will be honored if
something happens to me?"
Advance directives are a way to make your
healthcare wishes known if you are unable to speak for yourself.
They provide a way for you to communicate your wishes to family,
friends and healthcare professionals, and to avoid confusion later
on.
In the state of Florida, there are two major components of an
advance directive - a Living Will and a Designation of Healthcare
Surrogate.
A Living Will
- Is a statement of your desires and decisions indicating what
kind of medical treatment you do or do not want to receive
- Does not mean, "do not treat." This is a
common misperception and not correct. Of course, if you want it to
mean do not treat, then that is something that your surrogate needs
to know
- Should be discussed with your family, friends, clergy and
doctor
- Goes into effect only if you are no longer able to communicate
your wishes yourself
- Can be changed or revoked if your preferences change
A Designation of Healthcare Surrogate
- States that you designate and authorize another person to make
medical decisions for you when you are no longer capable of doing
so, based on your communicated preferences.
- Allows you to include specific instructions if you have a
certain medical condition.
- Goes into effect if and only if you are unable to communicate
your wishes.
- Allows your surrogate to give informed consent, review medical
records, talk with your physicians, authorize transfers to
different healthcare facilities, apply for public healthcare
benefits and consent to organ donation and make needed decisions
for you.
- Appoints a competent adult who knows and respects your values,
spiritual beliefs and preferences regarding medical treatment.
What else do I need to know? - Frequently
Asked Questions
