Advance Health Care Planning

Today, advances in medicine and medical technology save many lives that only 60 years ago might have been lost.  Unfortunately, sometimes this same technology also artificially prolongs life for people who have no reasonable hope of recovery.

No one likes to think about dying and death, but they are inescapable realities of life.  Armed with the proper information and forms, you can take control of choices regarding your medical future.

In 1991, Ohio recognized your right to have a Living Will.  this was in addition to Ohio's other recognized advance directive at that time, the Health Care Power of Attorney.  In 1998, Ohio recognized yet another tool to help you and your physician with effective health care planning called a DNR (Do-Not-Resuscitate) Order.  All of these measures help put control over future medical choices in your hands. 

The Living Will allows you to decide and document, in advance, the type of care you would like to receive if you were to become permanently unconscious or terminally ill and unable to communicate.  The Health Care Power of Attorney enables you to select someone to make decisions for you.  A person who does not wish to have Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) performed may make this wish known through a doctor's order called a DNR Order.  There are various types of DNR Orders, please talk with your physician to determine the one best for your current health condition. 

Hospice of Fayette County has available a packet that contains the Ohio Living Will; the Ohio Health Care Power of Attorney; a form directing Anatomical Gifts and the 1998 Ohio DNR Law.  The information and forms in the packet are made available to you through the collaborative effort of the Ohio Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, the Ohio State Medical Association, the Ohio Hospital Association and the Ohio Osteopathic Association.  the Ohio State Bar Association prepared the Advance Directive forms.

You can fill out the Living Will or Health Care Power of Attorney forms by yourself; you are not required to use a lawyer.  However, since these are important legal documents, you may wish to consult a lawyer for advice. 

In contrast, a DNR Order can only be completed by a physician, certified nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist, as appropriate. 

The issues involved in drafting any of Ohio's Advance Directives are very important.  At Hospice of Fayette County, we believe that Advance Care Planning should be completed by everyone, regardless of age or current medical condition. 

If you, or your loved ones, have not completed Advance Care Planning forms, the packets are available at Hospice of Fayette County.