I have been attending a weekly group called "Conversations about Healthcare" at my church. Last night we discussed health care proxy's, living wills, organ donation, and nursing home care. I learned some interesting things, but a major issue was brought up that I wanted to make you aware of.
According to the presenters, in New York State, and probably elsewhere, even if you have signed up to be an organ donor on your driver's license, if your family says no, the hospital will NOT donate your organs. Wow, I had no idea that family could over-ride your personal wishes. This highlights the need for you to discuss with your family your end of life wishes. I don't care how old or young you are, this is extremely important.
You can fill out an organ donation registry form at the following website: NYS Donate Life Organ and Tissue Donor Registry Enrollment Form http://www.nyhealth.gov/professionals/patients/donation/organ/docs/enrollment_form.pdf .
There is also a place on your Health Care Proxy form to indicate your organ donation wishes. (see website below)
Important documents to have:
I am pasting below a section from my book, An Insider's Guide to Managing Your Chronic of Terminal Illness, that highlights the important documents each of you should have. Where applicable, I have also put a link to a site where you can access these forms.
Advance Directives
It is imperative for you to complete advance directives before hospitalization. Each state has preferences for the type of advance directives their hospitals use, so be sure to consult with the hospital about what is recommended. There are several forms of advance directives including a power of attorney, living will, health care proxy, or do not resuscitate orders (DNR). These documents let your physicians know who is responsible for making decisions for you if you are unable. Advance directive forms can be obtained from the hospital social worker or patient advocate.
A Power of Attorney http://www.nylawfund.org/pubs/durpoa.pdf
You use a power of attorney to appoint an agent to make health care decisions for you if you are unable, regardless of the terminality of your condition. Your agent may need to authorize admission to, or discharge from, the hospital and/or consent for treatments such as surgery.
A Living Will
A living will outlines your decisions regarding life-sustaining measures and only takes effect if your medical condition becomes terminal with no sign of recovery.
A Health Care Proxy http://www.nyhealth.gov/forms/doh-1430.pdf
A health care proxy is someone you have appointed to make sure your end of life medical wishes are upheld. Unlike the power of attorney, a health care proxy is only responsible for end of life decisions. Make sure your appointed agent is aware of your wishes for life support, organ donation, and other important medical issues.
A Do Not Resuscitate Order
Finally, a DNR is a written document placed in your medical chart instructing hospital personnel to hold off on CPR and other life-sustaining measures if your heart or breathing stops. This is something you need to discuss with your doctor.
Don't wait to make decisions about your care. Take the time to discuss these issues with your family and to complete the appropriate steps to ensure your wishes will be carried out.
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