Advance Directives
As health care providers, we have seen too often the devastating circumstances that result from individuals not having a signed proxy and a completed living will.
A Health Care Proxy is a document that lets you name someone to make health care decision for you in the event that you are unable to speak for yourself. The Health Care Proxy form appoints someone to speak for you any time you are unable to make your own medical decisions, not only at the end of life.
The New York Living Will lets you state your wishes about medical care in the event that you develop an irreversible condition that prevents you from making your own medical decision. The Living Will becomes effective if you become terminally ill, permanently unconscious or minimally conscious due to brain damage and will never regain the ability to make decisions. Persons who want to indicate under what set of circumstances they favor or object to receiving any specific treatments use the New York Living Will.
Note:
• You do not need to notarize your New York Health Care Proxy form or New York Living Will.
• You do not need a lawyer to fill out these forms.
• These documents will be legally binding only if the person completing them is a competent adult (at least 18 years old), the signing of the documents are properly witnessed, and the documents are available when needed.
Thompson Health strongly encourages individuals to take the time to complete these forms. It will make a difficult time less stressful for your family and loved ones. If you need these forms, or have general questions about completing these forms, please ask your nurse or social worker.
Special Note: Federal health care privacy law, HIPAA, does not require changes to existing Advance Directives, including Living Wills, Proxies and Health Care Powers of Attorney.
The advance directive forms are based on the state law of New York State. The instructions for completing these forms are intended to inform you about state law in New York and should not be construed as legal advice. You do not need an attorney to complete these forms, however, you may determine that you need more assistance than is presented in the form and the instructions.
The information and documents are provided on an "as is" basis, without warranty. Thompson Health shall not have any liability to any person or entity with regard to any liability, loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the information provided.