Advance directives are important documents that protect your dignity and help avoid arguments and assumptions about your care. They tell your family and doctors the type of healthcare you would or would not want if you became unable to communicate your wishes because you were incapacitated.
- Healthcare Power of Attorney (POA) Advance Directive
The healthcare POA lets you to name someone you know and trust to make medical decisions for you when you cannot. This person is called your POA Agent. You would want to discuss your goals, values, and beliefs about healthcare treatment with your agent in advance.
Wisconsin has a state healthcare POA form which your care team can provide to you. Two people must be present when you sign the document, and they must sign it as well. The witnesses cannot be related to you, cannot be the person you’ve chosen as your agent, and cannot be your medical provider.
Your healthcare POA goes into effect when two medical professionals sign a statement declaring that you are incapacitated. Just remember: if you have a healthcare POA and it is not in effect, you are the only one who can make your healthcare decisions. Even after your POA goes into effect, your agent must follow your treatment wishes if you are able to express them.
If you become incapacitated and do not have a healthcare power of attorney, your family or providers may have to request guardianship from the court. Guardianship can be restrictive and could result in removing some of your fundamental rights.
Other Advance Directives:
- Living Will (Declaration to Physicians) is a document that tells your doctor and family your wishes about life support and feeding tubes if you have a terminal condition or are in a long-term vegetative state.
- Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR Order) is a medical order signed by your doctor that tells emergency medical personnel to not perform CPR on you due to an existing critical illness or for personal reasons.
This is a basic overview of advance directives. Your care team can answer questions you may have. Don’t be shy to ask!
The healthcare POA form can be found here: www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/forms/advdirectives/adformspoa.htm
Information in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used as legal advice.
Written by Deanne Wecker