Thinking about life-saving medical treatments and end-of-life care is not something that most people enjoy. However, having plans in place to properly handle those decisions when the time comes can help ensure your wishes are carried out and protect your family from being put into a difficult position.
Working with an Oklahoma City advance healthcare directive lawyer to establish a directive as a part of your comprehensive estate plan is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family. However, there are many common myths floating around about these documents.
Keep reading below as many of these common myths are debunked.
Myth #1: Advance Healthcare Directives Are Only for Elderly People
One of the most common myths is that only old people need an advance healthcare directive. The truth is that all adults can benefit from health directives. A person of any age could face a medical emergency in which life-saving treatment decisions need to be made.
Plus, younger adults are more likely to live longer in a vegetative state through the use of medical equipment or devices, so the stakes could be even higher. At a minimum, younger adults should appoint a healthcare proxy who can make medical decisions on their behalf.
Myth #2: Doctors Are Legally Required to Strictly Follow Your Advance Directive
Many people mistakenly believe that a doctor is legally obligated to strictly follow their advance directive. The fact is that advance directives are legally recognized, but they are not absolutely binding. A doctor may refuse to follow your wishes if your directive goes against their conscience or accepted medical standards.
This is one reason why it's important to discuss your wishes with your doctor ahead of time. If your doctor refuses to follow your directive, they should transfer your care to another physician who will follow your wishes. An experienced advance healthcare directive lawyer can also help ensure your directive is clearly drafted.
Myth #3: You Must Use Your State’s Form for Your Directive to be Valid
Most states have accepted forms that are used for advance healthcare directives. However, there is no legal requirement that your directive needs to be on a specific form to be valid.
Your state likely does have other legal requirements, though, such as witnessing requirements or other signing formalities that must be followed. You should always seek help from a local advanced healthcare directive attorney who can help ensure your directive is implemented properly.
Myth #4: Once I Create an Advance Directive, I Can Never Change It
Just because you put a healthcare directive in place doesn't mean that you aren't allowed change your mind. In fact, you should revisit your directive to ensure your wishes are accurately reflected and are up-to-date.
As your life circumstances evolve, changes will most likely need to be added to your directive. An advanced healthcare directive lawyer can help you make adjustments if you choose to revoke or change your directive at any time after you create it.
Myth #5: If I Name a Healthcare Proxy, I Cannot Make My Own Decisions
Naming a healthcare proxy does not take away your right to make your own decisions. As long as you are competent and not incapacitated, you can always make your own decisions. Naming a proxy simply gives that person the ability to make decisions on your behalf in the event you are unable to make decisions on your own.
If you have questions about advance healthcare directives or want to ensure your wishes are clearly documented and legally enforceable, contact an experienced Oklahoma City advance healthcare directive attorney for guidance.