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ADVANCE CARE PLANNING
PERSONAL PLANNING & ADVANCE DIRECTIVES Patient Self-Determination Act In accordance with North Carolina law, Four Seasons provides information concerning the Patient Self Determination Act of 1991. Four Seasons supports the competent adult’s right to make decisions regard - ing the acceptance or refusal of medical or surgical treatment in accordance with North Carolina laws. All patients will be asked if they have advance directives. The patient’s response will be documented in their medical record. The Patient Self Determination Act does not require patients to have or fill out an advance directive. It does require health care organizations to tell patients that they have the right to fill one out in accordance with existing state law. • If a copy of the patient’s advance directive is provided, it will be added to the patient’s medical record. • If a copy of the patient’s advance directive is not available, the admitting nurse will request that the patient’s family provide a copy of the advanced directive. • If the patient does not have an advanced directive in effect and would like to execute one, the patient will be furnished with the appropriate forms and given the opportunity to ask questions. Medical Care Decisions and Advance Directives – What You Should Know Who decides about my medical care or treatment?
Do I have to have an Advance Directive? What happens if I don’t? Making a living will, appointing a health care power of attorney, or making an advance instruction for mental health treatment is your choice. If you become unable to make your own decisions and you have no living will or a person named to make medical care deci- sions for you (health care agent), your doctor or health provider will consult with someone close to you about your care.
make or express them yourself, you will need an “advance directive.” What is an “Advance Directive?” An advance directive is a set of di - rections you give about the health care you want if you lose the abil- ity to make the decisions for your- self. There are three ways for you to make your directions known: 1. Living Will 2. Health Care Power of Attorney 3. Advance Instruction for Mental Health Treatment
If you are 18 or older and mentally competent, you have the right to make decisions about your medical treatment. You should talk to your doctor or health care provider about any treatment or procedures so that you understand what will be done and why. You have the right to say yes or no to treatments recommend- ed by your doctor. If you want to control decisions about your health care, even if you become unable to
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