Advance Directives

If you were ever to become terminally ill or no longer able to communicate, it would be important for your family to know what kind and how much medical care you would want. A way to make these decisions known to your physician is through a document called an "advance directive." This document states your choices for health care, or appoints someone to make those choices for you if you are unable to do so.

Types of Advance Directives

These types of advance directives can be prepared at Saint John’s hospital by calling the Center for Spiritual Care department for assistance at (765) 646-8182:

• A document appointing a healthcare representative: This names a person who will make medical treatment decisions for you when you are no longer able. This representative acts under the conditions written by you. Another adult must witness the creation of this document.
   
• A living will declaration: This tells physicians how much treatment you want to have should your condition be terminal and you are unable to communicate your wishes. With an emphasis on limiting treatment, a living will must be in writing, and there must be two adult witnesses.
   
• A life prolonging procedures declaration: This tells health care providers that you want everything possible to be done to prolong your life, regardless of your terminal condition. It also must be in writing, and there must be two adult witnesses.

Durable Power of Attorney

Durable power of attorney is another option for an advance directive allowed under Indiana law. This document identifies the person you wish to make health care decisions for you. Unlike the healthcare representative, who may only make healthcare decisions, the person to whom you have given power of attorney may also make personal and financial decisions for you. The decision-making power of this individual must be in writing and witnessed by a notary public.

Your Documents

The Patient Self-Determination Act requires hospitals and other healthcare organizations to inform patients about advance directives with written information at the time of admission. If the patient has executed such a document, the signed document will then become a part of the patient's medical file for that admission only.

If you have questions or concerns regarding advance directives, we encourage you to talk with your physician and loved ones. Even if you have been admitted to the hospital previously, we will need a current copy of your advance directive. Situations and wishes change, so the hospital cannot assume that advance directives are valid from one admission to another.