What are Advance Health Directives?

Advance Health Directives are a document which lists your decisions about future treatment. For example surgical, dental treatment, palliative care or end of life options. Your Advance Health Directive can be used to both consent to and refuse certain medical treatment.

When does my Advance Health Directive take effect?

Advance Health Directives only take effect if you are unable to make decisions about your medical treatment. For example, if you are in a coma. Your directive would only come into effect if it related to a treatment you required and if you are unable to make reasonable judgements on that treatment.

Do I need an Advance Health Directive?

Your decision as to the medical treatment you wish to receive and refuse is personal. They may be as a result of religious beliefs, personal experience, advice from family, or an aversion to certain of treatment.

Your Advance Health Directive will be relied upon if you are unable to make decisions about your medical treatment. It allows you to ensure your medical treatment decisions are known. This may be useful in guiding your family should they need to communicate decisions on your behalf.

What if I have Enduring Guardians?

Enduring Guardians are able to make medical treatment decisions on your behalf. However, your Enduring Guardians are bound to follow your Advance Health Directive (unless there is a compelling reason not to).

Your directive also acts as a failsafe if something happens to your Enduring Guardians. You should discuss your Advance Health Directive with your Enduring Guardians and provide them with a copy.

Seek both medical and legal advice

Your Advance Health Directive should be discussed with your doctor. This will allow you to make informed decisions decisions about medical treatment.

Questions are welcome

Please call our office if you have any questions about putting an Advance Health Directive in place.