Advance Medical Directives Are Not Just for Seniors

Advance Medical Directives Are Not Just for Seniors

3/22/2005 12:07:00 PM

To: State Desk, Medical and Health Reporters

Contact: David Fox of Michigan State Medical Society, 517-336-5731 or dkfox [at] msms.org

EAST LANSING, Mich., March 22 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The tragic Terri Schiavo case clearly points out the need for all people aged 18 and above to complete a simple advance medical directive to appoint someone to make health care decisions for them if they become ill and cannot make decisions themselves.

The only form of advance medical directive that is recognized by state statute in Michigan is a durable power of attorney for health care. Living wills are not recognized by state law. By completing a durable power of attorney for health care form, a patient's desire to accept or refuse medical treatment is honored if the patient is unable to participate in medical treatment decisions.

"Some of the most tragic cases are when a young adult becomes incapacitated and there is no indication of their preferences for medical care," said Michigan State Medical Society president John M. MacKeigan, MD, a Grand Rapids colorectal surgeon. "Decisions can be heartrending and end up in the courts."

When the Patient Advocate Act was passed in Michigan in 1990, the Michigan State Medical Society, the Michigan Osteopathic Association, the Michigan Health & Hospital Association and the State Bar of Michigan worked together to develop a durable power of attorney for health care form specific to Michigan law.

By completing the "user friendly" eight-page form, a patient may appoint another adult-maybe a spouse, adult child, or trusted friend-to serve as a "patient advocate." The patient advocate then has all of the same decision-making power as the patient if the patient cannot communicate because of illness.

The form allows patients to indicate, in writing, the specific preferences that they do or do not want regarding their care, including decisions about life-sustaining treatments when noted clearly in the form.

Two copies of the form and educational brochure may be obtained by sending $2 to Patient Advocate, P.O. Box 950, East Lansing, MI 48826. The form is a legally binding document and does not require an attorney, but a physician or attorney should be consulted if questions arise. Forms are available in English and Spanish. For quantity discounts, visit http://www.msms.org or call MSMS at 517-336-5772.

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