Advance Directive
In 1993, Maryland recognized the right of any adult person to make a written declaration instructing his or her physician to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining procedures in the event of a terminal condition, a persistent vegetative state (permanent unconsciousness), or an end-stage condition. "An end-stage condition is an advanced, progressive and incurable condition resulting in complete physical dependency, like advanced Alzheimer's disease."
There are three types of advance directives:
- The Living Will - Designed to go into effect on in the event of a terminal condition.
- Appointment of a Health Care Agent - The same as the old Durable Power of Attorney which names a proxy who has legal authority to carry out a person's wishes and make a decision to accept or refuse treatment for that person.
- Heal Care Instructions - Similar to the Living Will, but it can go into effect in the case of a terminal condition, a persistent vegetative state or an end-stage condition.
Legal Assistance:
While a lawyer is not required to make an Advance Directive, the following agencies are in a position to provide legal referrals in the area of Advance Directives/wills/power of attorneys, etc.
Lawyer Referral Service
Harford County Bar Foundation
5 North Main Street
Bel Air, MD 21014
410.836.0123
Library:
Materials related to Advance Directives are available at the Harford County Library. For hours of operation call 410.638.3151 or visit them on the web at http://www.harf.lib.md.us/.
Samples of Advance Directives are available without charge from the Harford County Office on Aging.
Additional Resources:
|
