ADVANCE HEALTH DIRECTIVE

If you are over 18 years and have the capacity to do so you can now formally appoint an Attorney to make health care decisions on your behalf by executing an Advance Health Directive some times referred to as a “living will”.

If you become seriously ill or unconscious or are unable to communicate your health care directions, critical and sometimes urgent decisions may need to be made.  An Advance Health Directive makes your wishes known if you are confronted with these situations.

It is this “living will” document that permits the principal you have appointed to give directions concerning end of life decisions regarding withholding or withdrawal of life sustaining measures.

In your directive you can express your wishes in a general way ie:

• particular treatments you do or do not want;
• special medical conditions that medical staff should be aware of;
• religious, spiritual or cultural beliefs that could affect your medical treatment.

You can direct your wishes in a specific way such as:

• what life sustaining measures used to sustain or prolong life artificially you want;
• you can specify your wishes about palliative care.

If you do not have an Advance Health Directive and become ill so that you cannot make decisions, you have no legal way of making your wishes known or when to withdraw or withhold life sustaining treatment.

Downloadable Fact Sheet

The Powers of Attorney Act 1998

Department of Justice and Attorney General

Contact Haney Lawyers for advice on preparing an Advance Health Directive document on 5539 9955

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