Frequently asked questions

Answers to common questions about medical care decisions

Following is a list of our patients' most frequently asked questions.



What is an advance directive? Why is an AD important? What is a Health Care Power of Attorney (HCPOA)? What is a Living Will? What is an Advance Instruction for Mental Health Treatment? Do I need to complete both a HCPOA and a Living Will? What is the difference between a champion and an agent? What is the purpose of the "champion," if that person doesn't have legal authority? How do I make sure my agent follows my living will? Does my agent have to pay for my treatments or my care? Do I have to go to a lawyer to create my ADs? Does my AD have to be notarized? Does it cost money to have my AD notarized? Where can I get my document notarized? When should I complete an AD? Where should I store my AD? How can I get a copy of my AD placed in my medical record? What if I change my mind about who I want to be my healthcare agent? What if I want more than one person to be my agent? What if I change my mind about what treatments I would want to end of life? Does my doctor have to sign my AD? Do I have to have an AD in order to receive treatment? If I don't choose an agent and am unable to speak for myself, who will speak for me? If I am married, why do I need to have a health care agent? I thought my doctor would make all those life-and-death decisions. Why do I need a healthcare agent? What if I have an AD from another state? Will it be honored? Do I have to file my advance directive with a registry?