Advance Directive
An advance directive is a written record about your future care and treatment. This includes mental health care. It helps your family and providers know your wishes about your care. Some people may not want to spend months or years on life support. Others may want all steps taken to live longer.
You will need to answer some tough questions when you make an advance directive. Think about these things when you make yours:
- It is a choice to write one.
- The law states that you can make choices about health care and surgical treatment, such as agreeing to or refusing care.
- Having one does not mean you want to die.
- You can choose a person to make health care choices for you when you cannot make them. You may also use it to keep certain people from making decisions for you.
- You must be of sound mind to make one.
- You must be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor to have one.
- Having one will not change other insurance.
- They can be changed or ended at any time.
Where do I get advance directive forms?
Many of the people and places that give you medical care have advance directive forms. A lawyer could also help you.
Can I change my advance directive?
Yes. It is a good idea to look over your advance directives from time to time. Make sure they still say what you want and that they cover all areas of care.
If I don’t have an advance directive, who chooses my medical care when I can’t?
If you are in terminal condition or a permanently unconscious state, then Ohio law recognizes this order of your decision makers: legal guardian, spouse, majority of adult children, parents, and other nearest relative.
Learn More
Learn more about advance directives in your member handbook. You can also visit the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s website CaringInfo.org or call 1-800-282-6556.