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The Business of
Health Care Report Too often, successful business people neglect their personal business affairs until a crisis occurs. Unfortunately, it isn't always "someone else" who is caught in a personal health crunch after an accident or sudden illness. Personal problems, such as family tragedies, also can cause undue amounts of stress, making it more difficult to make hard decisions. We need to be prepared. There is a way, under Texas law, for people to make their wishes concerning medical care known before care is needed. This is accomplished through advance directives, which are followed by the health care team when a patient is unable to express his wishes. A medical power of attorney is one type of advance directive. A medical power of attorney allows you to designate someone to make medical decisions for you when you cannot. It becomes effective when a person becomes mentally or physically unable to express his wishes concerning medical treatment. At such time, the designated agent must follow the instructions concerning medical care you have previously given. Another type of advance directive to prepare for the unexpected is commonly called a living will. Formally, the document is called a Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates. It allows a person to state in advance whether he wants life-sustaining treatment after being diagnosed with a terminal or irreversible illness. It becomes effective only if the patient is unable to communicate his wishes about medical care. When signing a medical power of attorney or living will, it is important to carefully choose a trusted family member or other individual who will follow your wishes. It may be a time when you also would want to discuss your values concerning medical care and end-of-life issues. Once executed, the living will and medical power of attorney should be kept with your important papers. Additional copies should be given to your personal physician and persons who are likely to be with you if you become seriously ill. You may click here for forms for a living will and medical power of attorney. You may wish to discuss this with your own attorney. If you have questions about health care or suggestions for topics on this program, e-mail me at DougHawthorne@TexasHealth.org. Tune in to News Radio 1080 KRLD and here at TexasHealth.org for more on the Business of Health Care. ©
2001 Texas Health Resources |
