Most of us probably recognize the name of Terri Schiavo, the Florida woman who died in 2005 after being taken off life support. You will recall that her husband and her parents could not agree on whether her life support should be maintained. She became the focus of major news media coverage as a result of her not having prepared an advance directive for health care.
An advance directive puts your medical care in your control. It relieves your family members of the burden of having to make decisions that should be made by you. It also avoids family conflicts. Minnesota law provides for the use of such a document entitled “Health Care Directive”. It becomes effective when you have a medical condition that results in your being unable to decide or speak for yourself, and allows for the appointment of a health care agent.
If you are unable to decide or speak for yourself, your health care agent has the power to: make health care decisions; choose your health care providers; choose where you live and receive care and support; review your medical records and be able to provide your medical records to other people.
You can state what types of medical treatment you wish to authorize, as well as those treatments you do not wish to receive. You can state your goals for your health care, your fears, and can include a statement of your religious faith and a request that your family and friends pray for you as you prepare for death. You can state any other directions that you wish, such as if you wish to prevent your health care agent from taking action to directly and intentionally end your life.
If you decide that you should have a Health Care Directive, we would be happy to assist you in preparing this important document.