Life can be unpredictable. While it’s not always comfortable to think about, there may come a time when you’re unable to make your own medical decisions. An advance medical directive specifies your preferences for end-of-life care and medical treatments, as well as designates someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re incapacitated. This not only allows you to have agency over your own health care, but it also serves as a guide for your health care providers and loved ones.
Creating a valid advance directive in Virginia
Under Virginia law, any adult capable of making informed decisions can create an advance medical directive. The document must be in writing and signed by the declarant – the person making the directive – in the presence of two witnesses. It is also the declarant’s responsibility to inform their attending physician about the existence of the advance directive. Once notified, the physician must include the directive in the patient’s medical records.
An advance medical directive may include instructions on:
- End-of-life care: Do you want life-sustaining treatments, or do you prefer comfort care only?
- Pain management: How do you want your health care providers to manage your pain?
- Artificial nutrition and hydration: Would you want to receive food and water through tubes if you can’t eat or drink on your own?
- Resuscitation: Do you want CPR or other measures to restart your heart if it stops?
- Organ donation: Are you willing to donate your organs or tissues after death?
It’s important to be as specific as possible when addressing these topics. This clarity helps your health care team and loved ones understand and follow your wishes.
Take control of your future
Creating an advance medical directive is a thoughtful act that benefits both you and your loved ones. While you can create a basic directive on your own, working with an attorney ensures your document is comprehensive, legally sound and tailored to your specific needs.