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Emergencies
happen and life can change in an instant. If the unthinkable happens
and you can not make decisions for yourself who would you choose to
make those decisions on your behalf? Planning ahead can make all the
difference. Here is how to get started.
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Health Care Proxy
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| A health care proxy, or
durable medical power of attorney, is a document designating a person
who will make decisions on your behalf in the event you are unable to
make decisions for yourself. The person selected does not have to be a
family member. Your health care proxy can be any person you trust to
make decisions on your behalf.
You
should store your health care proxy document in a safe place. Provide a
copy to your doctor to be attached to your medical record and to the
person you have designated as your health care proxy.
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Living
Will
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A living will, also known
as an advanced directive, is a document created outlining your wishes
in the event you are unable to make medical decisions for yourself.
Items addressed in a living will may include: CPR, insertion of a
breathing tube and use of a ventilator, insertion of a feeding tube for
nutrition or the withholding of life-sustaining or saving interventions
such as medications to support blood pressure, antibiotics to fight
infection or use of kidney dialysis.
You
should store your health care proxy document in a safe place. Provide a
copy to your doctor to be attached to your medical record and to the
person you have designated as your health care proxy.
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Using Advanced Directives
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Laws regarding advanced
planning documents vary by state. You should consult with a legal
representative to ensure your documents are in order and to verify that
there have been no recent changes to the law. Once you have created
your documents you should keep them in a safe and easy to find place.
In addition, you should provide copies to your attorney, your primary
care physician and any friends or family who are active participants in
you health care, especially anyone you have designated as a health care
proxy.
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Are you in need of
advanced planning documents? Click on the map below to launch LGBT
HEART’s interactive download center and take control of your health
today!
The
advanced planning documents made available by LGBT HEART were located
on individual government and medical and nursing association web sites
or through direct contact with these organizations. LGBT HEART provides
these documents as a community service only and makes no claims as to
their legality. Information provided was current as of 2/1/07. As with
any legal document, users should consult with an attorney for guidance
on utilization of these documents and to answer any questions
concerning relevant state laws.
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