What Is a Health Care Directive?
A health care directive is a written document that informs others of your health care wishes. It allows you to name a person (or “agent”) to make decisions for you if you are unable to do so. Under Minnesota law, anyone 18 or older can make a health care directive.
Why Might I Need a Health Care Directive?
A health care directive is useful if you become unable to adequately communicate your health care wishes. The directive guides your physician, family and friends regarding your care at a time when you are not able to provide that information. While you do not have to create a health care directive (you will still receive medical care without one), a directive will help you get exactly the care you would like, particularly near the end of your life when your interests may not be the same as those who survive you.
Excerpt taken from:
Probate & Planning: A Guide to Planning for the Future which is written and published by the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office. This brochure is intended to be used as a source for general information and is not provided as legal advice.