Advance Directives Are Defined By Your Readings As Written

Advance directives are defined by your readings as written instruction

Advance directives are defined by your readings as written instructions recognized under state law, such as living wills or durable powers of attorney for health care, that relate to the kind of health care the patient wishes to have or not have when incapacitated. Also know that advance directives are not designed to hasten death and can serve to prohibit the refusal or withdrawal of life-sustaining measures, thus sustaining life. Create your own advance directive by conducting an Internet search of advance directives for your state. Example search: advance directives Wisconsin . Your state should provide information and sample forms you can use to write your own advance directive, living will, or durable power of attorney for health care decisions.

Prepare and submit the form in a 1-2 page paper. My state is MINNESOTA.

Paper For Above instruction

Creating an advance directive is a crucial step in ensuring that an individual's health care preferences are respected in situations where they may become incapacitated. For residents of Minnesota, the process involves understanding the legal frameworks and utilizing state-provided forms to articulate specific healthcare wishes, including decisions about life-sustaining treatments and appointing a healthcare agent.

In Minnesota, an advance directive can be completed as a living will or a durable power of attorney for health care. A living will allows individuals to specify the types of medical treatments they desire or refuse in circumstances where they cannot communicate their wishes. Meanwhile, a durable power of attorney for health care designates a trusted person, known as a healthcare agent, to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so.

To create an effective advance directive in Minnesota, I conducted an online search and accessed information provided by the Minnesota Department of Health. The state's sample forms guide individuals in specifying preferences about life support, artificial nutrition and hydration, comfort care, and other medical interventions. The forms also include sections to designate a healthcare agent, which is critical in ensuring decisions align with personal values and wishes.

The process involves reviewing the sample forms, reflecting on personal preferences, and completing the documents with clear, specific instructions. It is recommended to discuss these preferences with loved ones and the designated healthcare agent to ensure everyone understands the wishes and the rationale behind them. Once completed, the form must be signed, witnessed, or notarized according to Minnesota law to be legally valid.

Having an advance directive in Minnesota provides reassurance that medical care aligns with individual values, especially during critical health events. It also relieves family members from the burden of making difficult decisions without guidance. Regular review and update of the advance directive are essential, particularly after major health changes or life events, to ensure it reflects current wishes.

References

• Minnesota Department of Health. (2023). Making Your Health Care Wishes Known: Advance Directives. https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/advancehealthcare
• American Bar Association. (2020). Getting Your Affairs in Order: Advance Directives. https://www.americanbar.org/groups/real_property_trust_estate/resources/estate_planning/
• National Institute on Aging. (2022). Advance Care Planning: Healthcare Power of Attorney, Living Will, Do Not Resuscitate (DNR). https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/advance-care-planning
• Minnesota State Legislature. (2023). Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 145C – Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST). https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/145C
• Death with Dignity National Center. (2021). State Information: Minnesota. https://deathwithdignity.org/learn/state/mn/
• American Medical Association. (2019). Informed Consent and Shared Decision Making. https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/ethics/informed-consent-and-shared-decision-making
• National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. (2020). Planning Ahead: Resources for Advance Care Planning. https://www.nhpco.org/patients-and-caregivers/advance-care-planning/
• CDC. (2022). Advance Care Planning and End-of-Life Care. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/advance-care-planning.htm
• HealthPartners. (2021). How to Make an Advance Directive in Minnesota. https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/advance-directives-in-minnesota/
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2023). State Operations Manual: Guidance for Advance Directives. https://www.cms.gov/regulations-and-guidance/ guidance/manuals/downloads/som107a01.pdf