When You Cannot Consent Many people worry about what would happen if, due to mental, physical or emotional problems, they are unable to tell their doctor whether they want or don't want recommended medical treatment. Under a Virginia law called the Health Care Decisions Act, if you are an adult you may sign a document that makes your choices about treatment known to your doctor and family in advance. In that document, you also can name someone you trust to make these decisions for you if you become unable to express your wishes yourself. The Health Care Decisions Act became law in 1992, but most of the decision-making rights contained in it have existed in Virginia for several years under other laws. The Health Care Decisions Act combines these laws to bring them together in one place and to be sure that they do not disagree with each other.
Any advance directive made under the old laws is still valid.
This material describes advance directives and answers some questions about them. It is not intended as legal advice. If you have questions about advance directives that it does not answer, you may ask those in charge of your health care or call your local hospital for more information. You also may wish to talk about advance directives with your family, your doctor, or a lawyer. Making Your Choices Known The Virginia Health Care Decisions Act allows you to make two types of decisions about your health care in an advance directive.