Why Would I Need an Advanced Medical Directive as Part of My Virginia Estate Planning?
Virginia law specifically authorizes something known as advanced medical directives and provides suggestions in terms of implementation. An advanced medical directive typically helps to accomplish a few goals including:
- Providing authorization under HIPAA laws for the release of the signing person’s medical information to selected doctors, hospitals or insurance providers.
- Appointing the signer’s agents who are eligible to make health care decisions on behalf of the signer, in the event that the signer is incapacitated and unable to do so.
- It provides a statement of the wishes of the signer in the event that this person has a terminal condition or is otherwise unable to speak for themselves.
You may also appoint an informal patient advocate, which is someone that hospitals and doctors working on your care must listen to you during the incident of a hospitalization.
Even in the event that you are not incapacitated, it can be very hard for patients to be fully cognizant of all that is happening around them and by appointing an advocate you have greater confidence that your wishes will be respected.
It can be challenging to confront the questions you must think about in order to set up a medical directive. You might want to set aside some time to think through your personal plans, but you can also discuss any major concerns or questions you have directly with your lawyer.
You’ll make things easier for those providing care to you, but also for your loved ones when you take the time to document your wishes in advance.
If you have not yet created an advanced medical directive in Virginia, set up a time to speak with a qualified attorney today to learn more.
