Due to the Rise of the Pandemic and Flu season, it is causing more people to be further probable to get sick or to have a critical medical condition. This is the time to make sure you have your medical documents in order! The laws are strict on who can speak for the patient when that patient is unable to make his/ her 's own health care decisions. There are several reasons why you may not be legally considered the next of kin. Having a health care proxy in place will avoid confusion and complication at a critical time. The three main medical documents that you should have on file are a Health Care Proxy, Living Will, and a DNR.
Health Care Proxy
A Health Care Proxy should override any overall legal president and establish clearly who is making medical decisions for your behalf. Most medical facilities will ask for a copy of the health care proxy. Understanding what your wishes are is an important part of making medical decisions on their behalf. It is also a good idea to involve other family members in these conversations.
A health care proxy can be executed with a form you can buy in a stationary store, online, or some medical facilities do have copies of basic forms. Be sure you get a form that is appropriate for your state, since these laws may differ. The form will also require you to stipulate one person to make medical decisions in case you are not able to. The form needs to be signed and notarized, possibly witnessed, depending on your state. Once the health care proxy is fully executed, share a copy to medical doctors and family members and keep it in a safe place.
Living Will
The second main form is a Living Will. This is a document that works with a health care proxy to ensure you are appropriately being taken if you are not able to make medical decisions. In a living will, you would be able to specify state what types of medical interventions you want or do not want if you are ever in a stage of incapacitated. A living will give clear direction on medical treatments, but it cannot consider every situation. You will still need a health care proxy to assist in making the right medical on your behalf. You can also buy a basic form online or ask a medical facility for a basic copy. You don’t need to hire a lawyer to draft your living will as long as it is signed, witnessed, and notarized.
The last important medical document is a DNR Order.
A Do-not-resuscitate order is a medical order written by the doctor that states if the patient stops breathing or heart stops to do-not-resuscitate. Depending on your prognosis, you may want to have a DNR in place to prevent doctors from performing CPR. Depending on what your wishes, you would want this in your file. The DNR forms are available online in most states and can be executed without an attorney. You will, however, need a notary.
It is a good idea to have these legal documents in place in advance of any potential medical issues. Dealing with a critical medical condition or health issues can be stressful, but executing legal forms should not! Contact us by phone or by email to meet you wherever you are. You can have peace of mind knowing that your paperwork is signed and notarized properly. Instead of running around and trying to get documents notarized… let us come to you! The convenience of a mobile notary means you have less time to stress! Because you have other things to worry about!
Sarah Potts
Freelance Paralegal and Notary Public
Prestige Paralegal and Notary Services
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