Surgery Center Advance Directives

Ask yourself these two important questions:

• Do you know what life sustaining treatments or interventions you would and would not want if you could not speak for yourself?
• Would your loved ones know what you would and would not want?

Advance Care Planning (ACP) is a thoughtful process of planning for future medical care at end-of-life, or in the event you should become unable to make your own decisions due to a life-limiting illness or injury. It involves education, reflection, communication and documentation. It is a valuable tool for families as they face difficult decisions about caring for you in your final phase of life or in a life-limiting situation. Studies show that families who engage in the ACP process have less stress, confusion and guilt about their decisions.

10 Steps to Good Advance Care Planning

• Understand the process (terminology, legalities, current health status, available tools)
• Explore your values, beliefs, cultural perspectives and goals for future medical care
• Appoint a health care surrogate to make decisions for you when you are too sick or hurt to speak for yourself
• Make informed choices about medical treatment options (understanding the benefits and burdens of CPR, ventilators, feeding tubes, antibiotics, etc.)
• Discuss your wishes with your surrogate, family, doctor(s), spiritual advisor and anyone else who may be involved in your care
• Document your wishes in an advance directive
• Execute your document: Sign and date the document and have it witnessed
• Follow-up with doctors, clergy or other professionals to provide additional information or guidance, if needed
• Make at least 10 copies to share with your doctor(s), family, and surrogate. Remember to keep a few on hand for admission to a hospital or other health care facility (a photo copy is as legal as the original)
• Review and update your documents periodically, especially after major life events

View or print:

• Advance Care Plan Document 
• Advance Care Plan Document (Spanish)

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact our individual facilities: