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In Pennsylvania, you have the legal and ethical right to make your own decisions about the type of healthcare you want. As long as you are well enough, your physicians will involve you directly in making decisions about your medical treatment. If you are unable to make decisions about your care, others will have to make these decisions for you. If others do not know your wishes about treatment, you may receive treatments that you don't want. You should plan ahead for the time when you cannot make decisions about your medical treatment. You can give directions in advance in case you become unable to communicate decisions about your medical care and: * you are terminally ill * you have no possibility of recovery from an unconscious state * you have an irreversible medical condition such as advanced Alzheimer's disease that leaves you unable to care for yourself or even unable to recognize loved ones. You can tell others how you want to be treated by preparing an Advance Directive, commonly called a Living Will. |
