What kinds of decisions does a health-care agent make?
In writing your advance directive, you’ll have to consider the scope of your agents’ authority. A broadly drafted advance directive usually gives an agent authority to: – consent to or refuse any medical treatment or diagnostic procedure relating to your physical or mental health, including artificial nutrition and hydration – hire or discharge medical providers and authorize admission to medical and long-term care facilities – consent to measures for comfort care and pain relief – have access to all medical records – take whatever measures are necessary to carry out your wishes, including granting releases or waivers to medical facilities and seeking judicial remedies if problems arise Remember, you can also limit the authority of your agent in any manner you wish. In writing your advance directive, you’ll have to consider the scope of your agents’ authority. A broadly drafted advance directive usually gives an agent authority to: – consent to or refuse any medical treatment or diagno
