Advanced Directives

What is an advance directive?

Advance directives are documents created and signed by you giving direction to health care providers about the treatment choices you would prefer in certain circumstances.

There are two types of advance directives.

A durable power of attorney for health care ("durable power") allows you to name a "patient advocate" to act for you and carry out your wishes.

A living will allows you to state your wishes in writing, but does not name a patient advocate.

Why have an advance directive?

Many people would like to decide for themselves the kind of medical care or treatment that they would like to receive or refuse in certain circumstances. An advance directive allows you to clearly state what you would prefer. Also be sure to review information on End-Of-Life issues.

What should I do if I want an advance directive?

Most states have specific guidelines about how to set-up a durable power of attorney for health care and/or living will. It is important to get a copy of your state's advance directive forms so you will understand your state's specific laws.

Getting Started

  • Caring Connections is a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), a national consumer and community engagement initiative to improve care at the end of life. The Planning Ahead section of their website offers an ovrview of issues related to advance care directives: how to talk to your family; financial issues; and includes practical tools to help you to identify and track your advanced planning goals.
  • Contact information for each state in The Renal Network area is provided below:

 

ILLINOIS

Declaration for Mental Health Treatment [pdf]
Illinois Department of Public Health (also in Spanish) [pdf]

Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission
(Assorted forms availaable)

Illinois Statutory Short Form Power of Attorney for Health Care [pdf]
Illinois Department of Public Health

Living Will Declaration [pdf]
Illinois Department of Public Health (also in Spanish) [pdf]

State of Illinois Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order [pdf]
Illinois Department of Public Health (also in Spanish) [pdf]

Statement of Illinois Law on Advance Directives and DNR Orders

Illinois Department of Public Health (also in Spanish)

 



KENTUCKY

Advanced Directives Can Ease End-of-Life Conflict
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services

Advance Directives for Mental Health Treatment
Kentucky Protection and Advocacy

Advance Directives for Mental Health Treatment
Kentucky Psychiatric Medical Association

Kentucky Corrections - Advance Healthcare Directives
[pdf]

Advanced Directives - FAQs
Baptist East Hospital

HB 99 Act : Advance Directive for Mental Health
Kentucky Legislature

Kentucky Living Will Packet
Kentucky Office of the Attorney General

Kentucky Questions and Answers
National Resource Ctr on Psychiatric Advance Directives

Living Will: Questions and Answers [pdf]
Commonwealth of Kentucky

Living Wills in Kentucky
Kentucky Office of the Attorney General

 


OHIO

Advance Directives
Future Planning
Ohio Legal Rights Service

Ohio Forms [pdf]
Cleveland Clinic

Advanced Directives
Midwest Care Alliance (MCA)

Choices: Living Well at the End of Life [pdf]
Advance Directives Packet created by idwest Care Alliance with the cooperation of the Ohio State Medical Association, the Ohio Hospital Association and the Ohio Osteopathic Association.

 

 

Last updated on: September 19, 2014

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