WILL MY ADVANCE DIRECTIVE BE HONORED?
Health care professionals are required to request a copy of your health care directive. Upon reviewing your written or verbally shared wishes, they are responsible to act with “reasonable medical practice” in accordance with your directive. It is important that you discuss your health care choices with your physician and health care provider after developing your document and with any subsequent changes. Be sure your health care providers have your most recent document. Minnesota law does not condone or authorize euthanasia, suicide, or assisted suicide. Therefore, any requests of this nature will not be honored. State law requires that oral food and water be given to a patient who accepts them. Relief of pain and control of suffering must be offered.
WHO WILL SPEAK FOR ME IF I AM INCAPACITATED OR TERMINALLY ILL AND MY PHYSICIAN HAS A QUESTION ABOUT MY ADVANCE DIRECTIVE?
The agent you have designated in your advance directive will be consulted. If your agent declines to help or is unavailable, an alternate agent or family member will be contacted. In the selection of your agent(s) consideration should be made on the availability, emotional and physical health, and the representation they will be able to make of your expressed and/ or written wishes.
WHERE CAN I FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION INCLUDING MINNESOTA SPECIFICS?
Your physician and your health care providers have knowledgeable staff and educational information that will be helpful to you. You may want to call and make an appointment with your physician to discuss your wishes.