An advance directive is a legally binding document regulated by state laws. Advance directives are subject to The Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA), 1990, a federal law that encourages individuals ...

States generally allow a person (principal) to appoint another person (agent) to make health care decisions, receive protected health information, or both on the principal’s behalf. In many states, ...

Most people do not want to think about death and dying -- so they don't. Until they have to. Unfortunately, that often means that families are left struggling with difficult decisions about important ...

Writing an advance directive is often considered step one for people who want to have a voice in the medical decisions made at the end of their lives, even if they are no longer able to communicate. I ...

I write a lot about being organized and prepared to avoid chaos in tough situations. Medical emergencies are a perfect example of the type of situation where planning ahead and detailing what you want ...

When I checked into a surgical center recently for a procedure that required general anesthesia, I presented my advance healthcare directive. But as I read over the consent form for the surgery, I ...

Completing an advance directive form is a great way to write down health care wishes before a medical crisis occurs. These legal documents help loved ones and doctors know what medical treatments a ...

More and more Americans say they want a “good” death, which usually means dying peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones. Documents called advance directives can help them achieve that goal by ...

Welcome to State of Mind, a new section from Slate and Arizona State University dedicated to exploring mental health. Follow us on Twitter. When people hear the term “advance directive,” they usually ...

The Holland Hospital and its physician medical groups are offering patients a new advance directive form called making choices Michigan. The form, sometimes referred to as a durable power of attorney ...

MEDFORD, Ore. — Bill Harris is blunt: For more than a year, he has been trying to help his wife die. The 75-year-old retired tech worker says it’s his duty to Nora Harris, his spouse of nearly four ...