Both of these documents are referred to as “Advanced Directives”. They provide legal documentation and structure through which you can advise the medical community, and others, of your wishes – IN ADVANCE of either moving into a terminal condition (Living Will) or when you are unable to speak for yourself (Medical Power of Attorney).
A Living Will is a document that tells your doctor who to notify if you are determined to be in a terminal condition and they are ready to take you off of life support, per your written instructions to them.
A Medical POA is a document that tells your doctor and other medical staff who will make decisions about your medical care if you are unable to speak for yourself. It provides written instructions to them about who to look to for assistance with determinations about your care.
Many states have standard documents created by their State Bar Association and the Medical Board (among others) that are ready for laypeople to complete on their own. You don’t have to use the standard form, but any document you create, or you obtain from an attorney, must include specific language spelled out in the state’s Revised Code to be valid.
The Ohio State Bar Association has developed a standard health care power of attorney form with the Ohio Hospice & Palliative Care Organization, the Ohio State Medical Association, and the Ohio Hospital Association. I use this form for most of my clients, and provide it as a service to them in situations where the standard language meets their needs.
To obtain a copy of the health care power of attorney form and other “advance directive” forms (living will and organ donation form) do the following. There are instructions and definitions in the documents which may provide all the information you need.
- Mail your request along with $3 to:
Ohio Hospice & Palliative Care Organization
555 Metro Place N, Suite 650
Dublin, Ohio 43017, or
- Visit the Web site and download a copy of the form at: www.ohpco.org
(Click their button called “Advanced Directives” near bottom of their site)
If you have trouble with this link, wish to have me send you a printed copy of the form, or would like to discuss the details of either of these Advanced Directives, I will be glad to assist. I will also talk to you on the phone, or meet with you (at my regular rate) to assist with completing the forms, or handling special situations.
Please let me know if you need legal assistance from me by using this “Contact Form”.
