April 16, 2012 is “National Healthcare Decisions Day.” It is a day set aside to educate the public about the importance of health care planning and to encourage people to express their personal wishes regarding health care, in writing, before a health care crisis occurs.

Over 100 million American adults have not designated an agent to make medical decisions nor documented the type of medical care they desire. Although it is a difficult issue to address, it is important for adults of all ages and stages of life to consider who is best-suited to make medical decisions for them in the event they become too ill speak for themselves and convey their own wishes. Without such directives, these important decisions and related matters may be left to the control of medical professionals, estranged or inappropriate family members or even the Court, all of whom may know little to nothing about you, your values and morals, or your overall wishes. (more…)

Tags: Family Health Care Decisions Act, FHCDA, health care agent, health care proxy, living will, National Healthcare Decisions Day

In March of this year, Governor Paterson signed into law the Family Health Care Decisions Act (FHCDA). The law allows family members to make medical decisions, including decisions about withholding or ending life-sustaining treatment, on behalf of individuals who have lost their ability to make such decisions and have not prepared advance health care directives (such as a Health Care Proxy or Living Will). (more…)

Tags: Family Health Care Decisions Act, FHCDA, health care proxy, living wills