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What Is a Personal Directive: Definition and Benefits

Dec 26, 2020

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A personal directive or personal health directive is a very important document everyone should have. You never know what is going to happen in your life. It is better to be prepared for everything that can come our way, just like an accident.


A personal directive will allow you to select some of your trusted and closest person to be your confidant in your trouble. You can choose them to decide on your behalf in advance.


So, today, we will be discussing what is a personal directive and its benefits.



What Is a Personal Directive: Definition


Under State and Federal law, an Advance Health Care Directive or personal Directive is:




  • A written document that describes your instructions and preferences for treatment and care. It is made for times when it is difficult for you to make decisions, and even you are unable to communicate.


It will ensure the treatments you want, how you want them. Most importantly, it allows you to choose a trusted person to make all the decisions for you. So, when in trouble, you don't have to think about other things than only yourself. To know more, you can visit Airdrie Car Accident Lawyer.



Benefits of Having A Personal Directive:


There are several advantages of having a personal directive:




  • You have peace of mind as you have a confidante during times of crisis.

  • Even if you are unable to express your demand, they will know it very well.

  • Your treatment is ensured whether you are able to direct it or not.

  • It will not let anyone waste time deciding what to do when to do etc.

  • Family members will be at peace, knowing what to do.


What Is Included In A Personal Directive?


Anything that could be involved in your treatment can be part of your directive. For example:




  • What kind of treatment you want;

  • Where do you want your treatment, if there is any opinion;

  • Who can come to visit and who can't;

  • Who will take decisions on your behalf;

  • Decisions about healthcare and treatment;

  • About places you want to live and people to live with;


Who Can Be My Representative?


You have the option of appointing a representative:




  • Anyone who is 18 or above

  • Anyone who you think is best for this kind of situation.

  • Anyone who understands you and your point of view

  • Anyone who will support you

  • Anyone who has a little idea about treatment, healthcare, or something related to that


Reminder:


By any means, your doctor, health care provider, or anyone related to your treatment can not be your representative. But if any of your relatives is a doctor, it will be an exception.



How to Make a Personal Directive?


Choose your representative:


Ask your trusted person to be your agent. If he is ready, then tell your wishes. Discuss all of the points with them to know if they are comfortable with them.


Write down your Directive:


You can collect the form from the state legal or medical association. The form is also available in hospitals and lawyer's offices. Fill the form with your wishes.


If you want to personalize your wishes, you can write them yourself without the form.


Sign the Directive:


Finally, sign the form or your written personal directive in front of a witness. Your witness must sign the form too.


Send the copies:


Then send the copies of the directive to your chosen people. You can send them to-




  • Your doctor;

  • Your representative;

  • Your key family members;

  • Your attorney (if you have any);

  • Anyone you trust


Also, remember to register the personal directive.



Can I Change My Personal Directive?


Yes, you can.


You can change your personal directive anytime you want. However, you have to be in your best state of mind to change the directive. The process is almost the same as creating a new directive. Write down your wishes and ask your attorney to add them to your existing directive.



Final Verdict


Like we said before, it is a simple but important document that can save your life when in danger. Choose your representative wisely to make the right decision. And when in doubt, an experienced lawyer will always be there to help you.