About Advance Directives

Although it can be uncomfortable, it is important to let your loved ones and health care providers know about the treatment you do or do not want to receive if you face a life-threatening illness. You have the right to communicate your wishes through legal documents called advance directives.

You do not need to be sick to create an advance directive. Having one before life-threatening conditions or health emergencies occur can help reduce confusion for you and your loved ones.

Types of Advance Directives

There are two types of Advance Directives:

Living Will

This legal document spells out how you want your care to be handled if you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself. Your living will can include information on the use of dialysis and breathing machines, resuscitation efforts, feeding tubes and organ or tissue donation.

Health Care Power of Attorney

This document enables you to authorize someone to act as your agent to make decisions about your health care if you are unable to communicate your wishes for yourself. You can appoint anyone you wish to have power of attorney privileges, such as a relative, friend or lawyer.

Advance Directive Best Practices

To help ensure your wishes are met, you should:

• Give a copy of your advance directive to your primary care physician (PCP) and to the individual(s) you have named to make decisions for you in the event you cannot speak for yourself.
• Tell your Care Coordinator at Health Partners Plans about whether or not you have an advance directive. We can note it in our system with your permission.