Why You Need An Advance Directive

Grace Cottage Hospital’s Social Services Director Carol Vandertuin provides assistance, at no charge, to anyone interested in completing an Advance Directive.
Carol can be reached at (802) 365-3614.

What is an Advance Directive?
If you become seriously ill or injured and are not able to make decisions about the kind of medical services and life-saving procedures you want to receive, an Advance Directive will “direct” these choices. An Advance Directive spells out your wishes and establishes who will serve as your agent to carry out these directions. Some people call Advance Directives “living wills” or “durable power of attorney for health care.”

Who should consider writing an Advance Directive?
Anyone who is at least 18 years old and who is capable of understanding the consequences of medical care decisions may consider writing an Advance Directive. No matter how young or old, sick or healthy you are, you could have a life-threatening accident or a serious illness and be unable to speak for yourself.

Why should I write an Advance Directive?
Writing an Advance Directive provides peace of mind. You can rest assured that your family and doctors will know and honor your choices and that you have helped guide your loved ones through a difficult decision-making process.

Who can be my agent?
Anyone who is 18 years of age or older can serve as an agent, with one exception: Your health care provider cannot be both your provider and your agent at the same time, unless that person is a relative. Vermont law allows you to choose an “alternative agent” if your agent is unavailable.

Are my doctor and my agent required to honor my Advance Directive?
Yes. Legally, your doctor and your agent are required to follow your directions as closely as possible. If your doctor disagrees with your decision and cannot carry through, he/she must find another physician who will honor your wishes.

Will my Advance Directive be honored outside of my home state?
Most states will honor out-of-state Advance Directives, but some do have their own requirements. If you are expecting to be out of state, you can contact the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (www.nhpco.org; 1-800-658-8898) for specific information.

How do I let providers know that I have an Advance Directive?
You are not legally required to do so, but giving copies of an Advance Directive to your family and your doctor is a good idea. You may also choose to carry a wallet card indicating that you have an Advance Directive on file.

What if I don’t want to carry an Advance Directive around with me all the time?
This is an exciting new development - The Vermont Advance Directives Registry can now scan and store your document in its electronic database so that hospitals nationwide will have quick access to it in the event of an emergency. For information on how to register, visit the Vermont Department of Health website (healthvermont.gov/vadr) or call 1-800-548-9455.

(The above information is excerpted from the Vermont Department of Health and Vermont Ethics Network websites.)