What are Medical Directives?
A medical directive, also known as an advance directive or living will, is a legal document that allows you to decide who will make health care decisions for you if you are unable to decide for yourself in the future. This document may be used to accept or refuse any procedure or treatment including life-sustaining treatment.
There are many forms available to assist people wanting to make a medical directive. Some people prefer to have an attorney assist them with the proper documents. It is legal to make a medical directive without the assistance of an attorney. Please talk with your physician as you make these important choices.
Once you have completed your medical directive, be sure to give copies to your family, the person you assign to make healthcare decisions when you are no longer able, and your physician. Anytime you are being admitted to the hospital it is a good idea to bring along a copy of your medical directive.
Resources and Forms
Listed below are three resources that may help you understand and make a medical directive. You may also find many more resources on the Internet.
The North Dakota Department of Human Services provides two free publications that are helpful in making a medical directive.
Legal Forms and Instructions for Medical Directives
(Forms found in the appendix)
Making Medical Decisions for Someone Else: A North Dakota Handbook
Innovis Health prefers Five Wishes created by Aging with Dignity, a private, non-profit organization. This form helps a person make a medical directive using understandable language. It covers the most important points needed in a medical directive.
(Note: Those using this form should also print page 30 from North Dakota Legal Forms And Instructions For Medical Directives (above) and attach to Five Wishes to meet North Dakota requirements.)
The Minnesota Board on Aging provides legal forms and Legal forms and instructions for medical directives. Be sure to download all 4 forms!
(Note: Those using this form should also print page 30 from North Dakota Legal Forms And Instructions For Medical Directives (above) and attach to Five Wishes to meet North Dakota requirements.)