Advance Directives

Advance Directives :A witnessed written document in which instructions are given by the patient or in which the patient’s desires are expressed concerning any aspect of the patient’s health care. Advance Directives include:

Designation of a Health Care Surrogate

Living Wills and durable powers of attorney

Organ Donor  

At the time of admission, all adult patients admitted to LCHPSC are asked if they have executed an Advance Directive and will inquire if the patient has designated a durable power of attorney for health care.  

In out-patient settings where the possibility of an admission is unplanned and unlikely, the patient is asked if he/she has advance directives. If the patient provides a copy it is placed in the patient’s record.  

Advance directive information is documented in the patient’s medical record and the patient’s physician is notified.  

Patient’s request regarding additional information or assistance in executing an Advance Directives are referred to Nurse Manager and/or Case Management.