What is a health care directive and how does it work?

A health care directive, sometimes known as an advance directive, is a legal document that allows a person to communicate their medical wishes in the event that they cannot speak for themselves. This document is important in North Carolina, as it allows an individual to designate a trusted health care agent who is responsible for making medical decisions for them if they become too sick or injured to make them. A health care directive not only allows a person to specify their own medical wishes, but it also allows for the appointment of a health care agent. This agent will serve as a substitute decision-maker if the individual cannot make decisions for themselves. This document should contain specific directions on how the health care agent should proceed, as well as a detailed list of medical treatments that the individual either does or does not want to receive. Another important aspect of a health care directive is the ability to create a “do not resuscitate” order. This order, sometimes referred to as a DNR, allows a person to make a decision to not receive CPR or aggressive medical treatments if their heart stops or if they become unconscious. A DNR will only be followed if there is a valid health care directive on file with the individual’s doctor. Overall, a health care directive is an important document for any North Carolina resident to have. It allows them to communicate their medical wishes in the event that they become too sick to do so, while also allowing them to appoint a trusted health care agent to make decisions on their behalf. By creating this document, individuals can plan ahead for any possible medical situation that may arise.

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What is a health care directive and how does it work?

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