Is the Advance Health Care Directive different from a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care?
The Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) was enacted by July 2000 legislation and replaced the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (DPAHC) and the Natural Death Act Declaration. However, if you had already completed one of these forms that was valid before July 1, 2000, it is still valid now. The only advance directive form that didn’t change was the Pre-Hospital Do-Not-Resuscitate form.
The Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) was enacted by July 2000 legislation and replaced the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (DPAHC) and the Natural Death Act Declaration. However, if you had already completed one of these forms that was valid before July 1, 2000, it is still valid now. The only advance directive form that didn’t change was the Pre-Hospital Do-Not-Resuscitate form. Pre-Hospital Do-Not-Resuscitate form? Never heard of it! This special form allows persons to indicate that they do not want CPR started if something happens to them outside a hospital. Normally, emergency medical personnel are required to start CPR for all persons; having this form protects people from receiving CPR if they choose to forego it. This form must be signed in advance by your doctor. I’ve never completed an Advance Health Care Directive before. Why should I? Persons of all ages may unexpectedly be in a position where they cannot speak for themselves, such as an accident or severe illn
