What is an Advanced Medical Directive?

An Advanced Medical Directive (AMD) is a legal document that allows a person to make decisions about their healthcare when they are unable to do so themselves. This document allows a person to express their wishes regarding their care in advance of their incapacitation or illness. In Hawaii, the law recognizes two types of AMDs: the Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare. A Living Will is a document that allows a person to give instructions regarding what type of care they want to receive in the event they are unable to make decisions for themselves. For example, a person can specify whether or not they want life-sustaining treatments such as a feeding tube, dialysis, or resuscitation. A Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare is a document that names an individual – known as an agent or proxy – to make healthcare decisions on their behalf in the event they are unable to do so themselves. This document can be used to appoint an agent to act on the principal’s (person’s) behalf to make healthcare decisions. Both AMDs are important documents that allow people to plan for their healthcare in the event of incapacitation. It is important to note that an AMD is not legally binding unless it is properly signed and witnessed. Therefore, it is important to speak to an attorney to ensure that the instructions set forth in the document are clear and legally enforceable.

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What is an Advanced Medical Directive?

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