While in the hospital, if I did NOT prepare a living will or designate a health care agent who would be my “legal” decision maker if I were unable to make medical decisions?
Depending on the laws in your state, if you do not have any advance directive documents that specifically state, in writing, your wishes or a health care agent, decisions would be made by others, generally in the following order of priority: • Spouse; • Adult children who are reasonably available for consultation (in person or by phone); • Sibling(s) who are reasonably available for consultation (in person or by phone); • Relative who has exhibited special care and concern for you and who has maintained regular contact with you and is familiar with your activities, health, and religious or moral beliefs; • Close personal friend – to qualify, the friend must be 18 years of age or older, have exhibited special care and concern for you, and signs a Close Personal Friend affidavit stating he or she is your close friend and is willing and able to become involved in the your health care decisions and familiar with your activities, health, and religious or moral beliefs.
