When should an Advanced Medical Directive be used?

An Advanced Medical Directive (AMD) should be used any time you want to make your wishes for health care treatment known ahead of time. This includes situations when you are unable to make decisions for yourself due to illness, injury, or cognitive impairment of any kind. An AMD is a legal document that lets your doctor, family, and other care providers know what kind of treatments you wish to receive, or refuse, and who should make decisions on your behalf when you are unable to do so. In Maryland, you may create an AMD at any age, even if you are a minor. Anyone who wishes to create an AMD should consult with a lawyer or other legal professional to help them complete the necessary paperwork. This includes making sure that the document is compliant with Maryland State law. It should also be discussed and signed with witnesses and notarized in order to make it legally binding. It is important to remember that an Advanced Medical Directive is only in effect when needed. You are still free to make decisions about health care treatment for yourself at any time. An AMD simply ensures that your wishes are honored in the event that you are unable to do so for yourself.

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When should an Advanced Medical Directive be used?

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