Advanced Directives
In Nebraska, adults who are capable of making health care decisions generally have the right to say yes or no to medical treatment. But what if you had a medical condition that prevented you from telling your doctor how you want to be treated?
Under Nebraska law, you have the right to prepare an Advance Directive to ensure your wishes are carried out in such cases.
What is an Advance Directive?
An Advance Directive is a written statement that shows you have made a particular health care decision or have appointed another person to make that decision for you. Although an Advance Directive can take other forms or be called other things, the two most common forms are:
- Living Will
- Power of Attorney for Health Care
What is a Living Will?
A Living Will states the treatment you do or do not want in the event you become unable to make your own health care decisions. It’s called a “Living Will” because it takes effect while you are still living.
What is a Power of Attorney for Health Care?
A Power of Attorney for Health Care allows you to name another person — such as your spouse, daughter, son or close friend — to make health care decisions for you if you are incapable of making them yourself. Your representative is guided by your instructions about any treatment you do or don’t want.
You don’t have to have an Advance Directive, and if you choose to have one, you can change it at any time.
For more information, contact our Social Work Department.