Law for Older Americans

Health Care Advance Directives

When should you review your advance directive?

Review your advance directive at least every five years and definitely after major life transitions or events (e.g., retirement, marriage/divorce, major illness, birth or death in family). Legally, the advance directive continues to be effective until and unless you revoke or amend it.

>>What is a health care advance directive?
>>How do you plan a health care advance directive?
>>Is a health care advance directive the same as a living will?
>>Why can't I just tell my doctor what I want?
>>Will doctors and hospitals recognize my advance directive?
>>What is the Patient Self-Determination Act?
>>How do you write an advance directive?
>>What kinds of decisions does a health-care agent make?
>>How do you select a health-care agent?
>>Are there any formalities of signing an advance directive?
>>Can you change or terminate your advance directive?
>>Where should you keep the directive?
>>When should you review your advance directive?
>>Is an advance directive still good when you cross state lines?

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