|
|
Schiavo Case Highlights Importance of Advance Health Care Directives
|
|
March 31 2005
National attention to the Terry Schiavo case has dramatically increased public awareness of the need for
Advance Health Care Directives (AHCD). At the core of the dispute among Ms. Schiavo's
family members have been conflicting interpretations of her health care wishes, which might have been avoided had there been written documentation of her preferences.
Advance Health Care Directives permit individuals to make their wishes known, or to designate a health care agent to speak for them, should they become unable to communicate. In response to the increased demand for information on AHCD, we are providing links to several Web sites that provide these forms, as well as other information on end-of-life issues. We hope you will share this information, available through the links at right, with family, friends, and colleagues.
- The California Coalition for Compassionate Care provides the California AHCD form, instructions for completing the form, and a fact sheet on AHCD for consumers.
- State laws regarding AHCD differ. Caring Connections offers copies of forms that can be used by people residing in other states.
- Aging With Dignity provides a free example of its "Five Wishes" form to help individuals clarify their personal, emotional, and spiritual needs in addition to their medical wishes.
|
|
