Older people often start to worry about what may happen if they can’t make medical decisions. Will people know your preferences? Who will decide on your behalf? Like other states, Georgia allows for legal documents that can help in these situations. One such document is an advance healthcare directive. Advance directives allow you to outline your care preferences. Healthcare professionals can then use them in the event of incapacity. Keep reading to learn more about the Georgia Advance Healthcare Directive.
3 Must Know Things About Georgia Advance Healthcare Directive
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Purpose of Healthcare Directives
To honor everyone’s rights regarding medical care, the General Assembly has put together a simplified advance directive for health care! This new approach blends living wills and healthcare agency ideas into one easy-to-understand document. Using clear and relatable language makes things less confusing and eliminates outdated terms. With insights from various experts and advocates, this directive aims to inspire more Georgians to express their medical wishes.
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What Document Consists Of
- Healthcare Agent: You can name someone you trust to make healthcare decisions if you cannot do so yourself.
- Medical Preferences: Share your wishes about medical treatments and procedures, letting your loved ones know what you do or don’t want.
- Designating a Guardian: You also have the option to name a preferred guardian, just in case it’s ever needed.
- Final Wishes: It’s a great way to let your family know your wishes for your final resting place, burial preferences, or other funeral arrangements.
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Know The Legal Requirements
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old and able to make your own decisions.
- Witnesses: To make it official, you must sign the document in front of two witnesses. They should also be 18 or older and of sound mind. Remember, your witnesses can’t be your healthcare agent or have any financial ties to your estate.
- Completion and Distribution: Once you’ve completed the form, don’t forget to share copies with your healthcare agent and doctors. This way, everyone is on the same page regarding your healthcare wishes!
Individuals can revoke or modify their Georgia Advance Healthcare Directive anytime, verbally with a witness or through written notice.
The healthcare directive is a useful tool that helps make sure your healthcare wishes are respected. It works best when patients, families, and healthcare providers communicate openly. That allows for meaningful conversations connecting your wishes with your medical needs.
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