In the event of an incapacitating incident, a person may need emergency medical care while they remain incapable of expressing their wishes to others. A living will or advance medical directive helps clarify what preferences an individual has. An advance directive can guide their treatment when they cannot communicate their wishes directly.
What important issues can people address in their advance directives?
1. The designation of a medical agent
A medical agent or health care decision maker can assert an individual’s pre-stated wishes and assess the information they provided to make decisions not directly covered in the advanced directive. The nomination of the right party for this position can prove critical for those who need care in an emergency scenario.
2. Preferences on treatment
Virginia’s standard advance directive actually allows individuals to provide very thorough directions regarding their medical wishes. They can discuss life-sustaining care and pain management. They can provide instructions about unique wishes, such as a religious objection to blood transfusions. They can even provide guidance about mental healthcare, including electroconvulsive therapy.
3. Clarity about anatomical donations
When an individual dies, their remains can sometimes serve a special purpose. In some cases, organ and tissue donation could save or improve the lives of others. Other times, people with unusual medical conditions might want to donate their entire bodies for the purposes of medical research. Addressing personal preferences regarding anatomical gifts can prevent confusion and anxiety among loved ones who have to make a decision in a difficult situation.
Creating and occasionally updating medical directives or living wills can provide people with support in an emergency and peace of mind on a daily basis. The right estate planning documents can protect people facing a broad assortment of different personal challenges.
