Advance Directives

Advance directives define an individual’s wishes for an end of life situation. The two basic advance directives are living wills and durable powers of attorney for health care.

Living wills put the individual’s wishes in writing concerning the type of medical treatment that the person prefers if they are unable to voice these wishes.

Medical power of attorney (Durable power of attorney) for health care is a document that appoints someone trusted by the individual to make health care decisions in the event you are unable to do this yourself. The power of attorney will only act if the person can not make the decision for themselves.

Questions concerning this topic may be addressed through the Social Work Department at 743-1238 or 743-1239.

Advance directive forms can also be found on the Tennessee Department of Health website. The website contains detailed information in English and en Espanol.

Tennessee Department of Health Advance Directives Information

“You can download the new forms and information about these directives from this site. All forms have a special section for you to write in specific comments about circumstances in which you would not want CPR, a feeding tube, dialysis, or treatment with a breathing machine. You should discuss these comments with your family and doctor so they can better understand what is important to you in receiving medical treatment.

You can use these documents to let your family and doctor know your decisions for health care if you become unable to decide for yourself. You can appoint someone you know and trust as your health care decision maker to ensure that your choice or decision is honored.”