Social Services Adults Legal

Health Care Directives

What?
Health Care Directives are written legal documents that allow an individual to appoint a parent, family member, or other person to act as his or her health care agent. Health Care Directives allow the appointed family member or other person to review the individuals medical records, make health care related decisions, and decide where the individual lives and receives medical attention. Anyone can write a Health Care Directive. This option is good for disabled individuals or individuals with an FASD because it is one way that family members can ensure that the individual continues to receive the best medical care after he or she turns 18.

Who?
Adults age 18 or older who wish to have a family member or other person have access to their medical information and make medical decisions.

How?
There are forms you can fill out to create a health care directive. You can also pick up a form at your local hospital. A form itself is not required, but it is the easiest way to ensure your health care directive meets the legal requirements. A health care directive must: Be in writing and be dated State the name of the individual writing the directive Be signed by the individual or by someone authorized to sign, and be signed in the presence of a notary or two witnesses Include the appointment of the agent and instructions about what type of medical decisions the agent is allowed to make Once you have signed your health care directive, distribute it to family members and your health care providers.

It is such a relief that my dad has a health care directive written up. He gave each of us kids a copy. When my mom was injured severely by a drunk driver. Dad and us kids were at a loss as to what care mom would want. Im proud of my dad for preparing us all for future heath issues he may deal with. -Stella

Where?
For more information, visit the Minnesota Department of Health website and visit the Minnesota Board on Aging website.