We want to be certain we are providing your care in a manner that is personalized and supports your wishes. Your Patient Rights Booklet explains that you have the right to accept or refuse medical treatment. We include you in your treatment planning and need to know if you have any Behavioral Advance Directives, a Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) for Health Care, a Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) Finance, or a Living Will.
A Behavioral Advance Directive is written instructions for future mental health care in the event the patient is unable to make and participate in mental health care decisions. Patients requesting additional information about BHAD will be referred to their legal counsel.
A DPOA for Health Care is someone you have entrusted to make medical decisions if you are unable to communicate your wishes to your doctor or treatment team. This form is accepted as a legal document in the state of Michigan.
A Living Will is a document that directs, in writing, the kinds of medical treatment you would or would not want in the event you are permanently unconscious or terminally ill and can no longer speak for yourself. Living Wills are used to make medical decisions only. Usually if you have a Living Will, you will have appointed a DPOA for Health Care who is aware of your wishes and can speak on your behalf.
At the time of admission a nurse will ask if you have any Advance Directives already in place. If you do, we need to have a copy in your chart to incorporate in your treatment planning. If you do not have any Advance Directives and would like information on them, we will provide you with that information.
