If you are 18 years of age or older and mentally competent, you have the right to make decisions about your medical treatment. If you want to control decisions about your health care, even if you are unable to make or express them yourself, you will need an Advance Directive.

An Advance Directive is a set of instructions you give about the health care you want in the event you lose the ability to make decisions for yourself. There are two different kinds of Advance Directives: a Living Will and a Health Care Power of Attorney.

If you have questions on Advance Directives, you may ask your attorney or physician to counsel you. The Social Worker can also supply you with Advance Directive forms.