Title: Planning for uncertainty : a guide to living wills and other advance directives for health care /
Authors: Doukas, David John; Reichel, William, 1937-
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press,
Year: 1993
Subjects: Social Values; Right to Die; Living Wills; Advance Directives; Right to die United States; Medical care Law and legislation United States; Power of attorney United States.; Patients Legal status, laws, etc. United States
Abstract: Most of us are uncomfortable with thoughts of our own death or serious illness - and so we put off making decisions that could help ensure that the health care we receive as we are dying is managed according to our preferences and personal values. This book explains why it is important to decide now what you want and do not want at the end of your life - and it shows you how to document those preferences and have them carried out.
Contents: Introduction: What Every Person Needs to Know -- 1. What the Patient Self-Determination Act Means to You -- 2. When Is Therapy Beneficial? When Is It Futile? -- 3. How Ethical Principles Affect Health Care Decisions -- 4. The Value of Values -- 5. The Living Will and the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care -- 6. The Values History: Defining Your Health Care Values -- 7. You, Your Family, and Health Care Decisions -- 8. Signing Advance Directives -- Appendix: Generic Forms for Advance Directives. Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care. Living Will and Health Care Proxy. The Values History.