Why an Advanced Health Care Directive should be in place

What if I suffer a catastrophic accident or other medical calamity? It is a scary thought for many and the “what if” question gets tucked away in the part of the brain that says “later.” Having an Advanced Health Care Directive (AHCD) in place provides a way to ensure a clients’ wishes are carried out by filling out the AHCD form that can be obtained from the client health care provider or from any of several websites.

Although the form is fairly straightforward, the questions do require some thought. Be prepared to answer:

• Who will be your designated agent—it must be someone who will carry out your wishes set forth on the form.

• Do you want life-prolonging measures to be taken in the event of a catastrophic accident or other calamity?

• What about relief from pain or donation of organs?

Once the form is completed, it must be signed by the person for whom the form refers to and two witnesses. It can also be notarized if two witnesses are unavailable. The form must then be filed with the healthcare provider with copies to the designated agent and family members.

The form can be changed at any time, but it is very important to maintain version control and ensure that the amended form is filed with the healthcare provider with copies also to the designated agent and family members as per above.