Advance Directives

As a VA patient you have a say in the health care you receive. When you are ill, your doctor should explain what treatments there are for your illness so that you can decide which one is best for you. But if you were too ill to understand your treatment choices or to tell your doctor what treatment you want:

            w Who would you want to make decisions for you?

            w What type of health care would you want?

            w What health care wouldn’t you want?

Questions like these may be hard to think about, but they’re important and are addressed in a form called an Advance Directive.

            w What is an Advance Directive?

An advance directive is a legal form that helps your doctors and family members understand your wishes about health care. It can help them decide about treatments if you are too ill to decide for yourself. For example, if you are unconscious or too weak to talk. There are two types of advance directives: durable power of attorney for health care and living will. 

            w What is a durable power of attorney for health care?

This form lets you name the person you trust to make health care decisions for you if you can’t make them yourself – your “health care agent”. He or she will have the legal right to make health care decisions for you. You can choose any adult to be your agent. It’s best to choose someone you trust, who knows you well and who knows your values. You should make sure the person is willing to serve as your health care agent. If you don’t choose an agent, your doctor will choose someone to make decisions for you in the following order: legal guardian (if you have one), spouse, adult child, parent, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, or a close friend. 

            w What is a living will?

A living will is a legal form that states what kinds of treatments you would or wouldn’t want in different situations when you cannot make treatment decisions. It can help your health care agent and your doctor make decisions the way you want them to.  

            w Should I have an Advance Directive?

Yes, it’s a good idea to have one. An advance directive helps protect your right to make your own choices. It helps make sure people respect your values and wishes if you can’t speak for yourself. 

            w Who can help me complete an Advance Directive?

At the VA North Texas Healthcare System (VANTHCS), chaplains and social workers may help you complete an advance directive. They will provide you with copies and make the necessary notation in the computerized patient record system. 

            w Can my Advance Directive be changed?

Yes, but only by you. You may change or revoke it at any time. In fact, you should review your advance directive periodically. At the VANTHCS, you should make revocations and changes by speaking with a chaplain or social worker who will then note the changes in the computerized patient record system. 

            w What should I do with my Advance Directive?

You should provide a copy of your advance directive to your health care agent/s and anyone concerned about your health care. You should keep a copy in a safe and secure place (i.e., with your important papers). 

            w Your rights:

1. You have the right to accept or refuse any medical treatment.
2. You have the right to complete a durable power of attorney for health care.
3. You have the right to complete a living will.

w Your responsibilities:

1. If you have an advance directive, it’s important to give the Veterans Health Administration a copy for your health record.
2. If you’d like more information about advance directives, or help filling out the forms, please call the VANTHCS and speak with a chaplain or social worker.

 The form may be downloaded via the internet at:

http://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-0137-fill.pdf