Frequently Asked Questions
What Is An Advance Directive?
An Advance Directive is a legal document in which patients' make their choices about the kind of health care they want to receive should they become unable to make their own treatment decisions. There are two types of Advance Directives: the Living Will and the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care.
What Is The Difference Between A Living Will and A Durable Power of Attorney?
A Living Will is a legal document with written instructions by "You" regarding your healthcare choices should you have a terminal condition and become unable to make informed decisions, or are suffering from an irreversible coma. A Durable Power of Attorney (also referred to as a Healthcare Proxy) is a written document that names a person, you choose, to make decisions for you if you become unable to do so.
Which One Should I Have?
You can have both. This will ensure the proxy you choose will have your choices and be able to follow them as you wish.
How Do I Make My Living Will Effective?
A Living Will must be signed by you in the presence of two witnesses, at least one of whom is neither your spouse nor a blood relative. If you are physically unable to sign the Living Will, one of the witnesses can sign in your presence and under your direction.
After I Sign A Living Will, What Is Next?
Once you complete and sign your Living Will, you will follow the directions for sending a copy to Its My Choice Online National Registry for approval. Once it is approved, it is available to Healthcare Providers when needed.
Can A Living Will and the Health Care Proxy Designation Be Revoked?
Both the Living Will and the Designation of the Health Care Proxy may be revoked by you at any time by a signed and dated letter of revocation. It is very important that you notify Its My Choice Online National Registry of your intent immediately in writing.
Is A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) The Same As An Advance Directive?
Advance Directives are not DNR orders. DNR orders are written by physicians to indicate that a patient should not be resuscitated. This order may be written to reflect your expressed wishes if stated in your Living Will.
Advance Directives only take effect when the patient loses the ability to make informed decisions.
Advance Directives do not replace active communication with patients, along with their families, able to make informed health care decisions.