Health Care Directives

In the United States, the Patient Self-Determination Act of 1991 protects your right to accept or reject medical or surgical treatment. If you become unable to make decisions on your own behalf, a health care directive (also called a living will or durable power of attorney) will help ensure your wishes about your medical treatment are kept.

A health care directive should be filled out before you come to the hospital. If you would like more information about health care directives, come to our Health Care Directives Workshop.