Respecting Choices at Beaumont - FAQs and Glossary

The advance directive is a legal document that describes your specific preferences for medical treatments in case you are unable to do this. Your advance directive, also called a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, will only be used if you become so sick or injured you cannot communicate your wishes yourself. The advance directive starts with listing a patient advocate to make decisions for you when you are no longer able and includes additional documentation regarding preferences for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), life support and organ donation.

No, a living will allow you to state in writing the health care treatment you would want if you became terminally ill or permanently unconscious. Living wills do not name anyone to make decisions for you, therefore they are not legally binding and are not recognized by the State of Michigan.

Whether our lives are stricken with a chronic illness or tragedy, completing an AD ensures that your loved ones have a clear and concise understanding of your preferences for your medical treatment in the event they need to communicate your wishes. By completing an AD, you remove the burden placed on family members to speculate on the types of care you would want to receive. Your advocate will be empowered in making choices knowing they are respecting your wishes.

The State of Michigan does recognize an AD as legal, with or without an attorney, when the document is completed correctly. Respecting Choices® at Beaumont provides a form that meets Michigan requirements.

No, an AD does not need to be notarized to be valid. Although, you do need to have a witness sign the document.  Your witness must be at least 18 years of age, not your patient advocate, parent, spouse, child, grandchild, sibling, or heir. This individual must not benefit from your death and cannot be affiliated with your healthcare provider or insurance carrier directly serving you at the time the document is signed.

A patient advocate is the individual you choose to make medical decisions on your behalf in the event that you are unable to make those decisions yourself. The person you chose to be your advocate should be an individual you believe will take the time to learn about your values, goals, and beliefs regarding your medical treatment, and would be prepared to advocate on your behalf. The Patient Advocate Designation is sometimes called an Advance Directive or Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care.

Patient Advocates are defined as: at least 18 years of age, knows you well, can be there in the event you need them, you trust to do what is best for you and follow your wishes, can communicate your health care wished to medical staff and doctors. This person can be your spouse, adult child, sibling, parent, friend, etc.

• What to consider when choosing your advocate:
• Who knows me well?
• Who will honor my wishes even if they are different than their own?
• Who is available when I need them?
• Who takes an active interest or concern in my wellbeing?
• Who will be able to make informed decisions under stressful situations?

No. A durable power of attorney for healthcare is a separate document that designates an individual, also known as your agent, to handle any legal and financial matters on your behalf. A durable power of attorney for healthcare appoints a person to make medical decisions for you, also known as a patient advocate.

Once you have completed your AD make copies and discuss your AD with your patient advocate, family and friends, and your healthcare provider. It is important to store your original copy in a convenient location that is readily accessible and ensure your healthcare provider has a copy for your electronic medical record. Submit your completed AD to your Beaumont record by one of the following methods:

• fax to 947-522-0473 or
• submit through MyChart or
• email to advancedirectivefax@Beaumont.org

Your AD will only be initiated if you become too ill to communicate your medical wishes with your loved ones and medical team. For example, if there is a medical emergency or you are involved in an accident and unable to speak, your advocate will be consulted to make medical decisions for you. However, should you regain your ability to communicate your wishes independently your advocate will no longer be active in the decision-making process.

As expected, life circumstances change over time and so can your Advanced Directive. Respecting Choices® at Beaumont recommends that you revisit your AD annually, when your health conditions change, if your values, goals, or beliefs about your medical treatment change, or if the person chosen as your patient advocate is no longer available to serve in the advocate role. Michigan law allows you the ability to revoke your AD verbally, however it is best to do so in writing. Additionally, if you do choose to make changes to your AD, be sure to inform your advocate, family members, medical providers, and other relevant individuals. Provide updated copies to your health care professionals, advocate, and family.

Life circumstances change frequently! Below is a list of the five “D’s” that may help guide you in when to revisit your advanced directive.

• Decade – 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and beyond
• Divorce – even if you choose to have your current partner continue to be your agent, be sure to note this on your advanced directive
• Diagnosis – discovering that you have a new or worsening health problem.
• Decline in Health – perhaps you have a chronic health condition that you have managed well, however as time goes by you are finding it more difficult to manage independently.
• Death – the death of a loved one may impact your values, goal, and beliefs about your own health care choices.

Most states have laws implemented to protect your wishes and honor them accordingly. Be sure to take a copy of your AD when you travel. If you own an additional residence in another state, you may want to create an AD form in accordance with that state.

Certified Respecting Choices at Beaumont facilitators are available to assist you in the completion of your advance directive. This will result in a document that it is clear, accurate and reflects your values and individualized goals of care. We offer these services free of charge, if you choose to meet with your provider there may be a cost- please speak to your provider or insurance company.

On average the conversation takes 30 minutes to one hour, to allow time for clarification, questions, and reflection.

Please email or call us today at respectingchoices@beaumont.org or 947-522-1948.