Patients and visitors

Advance directives

An advance directive allows you to state your wishes, or name someone who will state your wishes for you, to receive or refuse medical treatment if you are unable to make decisions for yourself. It is a legal document that outlines, in advance, your wishes regarding the medical treatment you’d want in a medical emergency, as well as the name of the person you’d choose to make health care decisions if you could no longer speak for yourself.

In most cases, you can discuss your course of medical treatment with your physician and family. Only when you are unable to speak for yourself is your advance directive activated. You do not have to make a decision about your health care now, but discussing your wishes with family members in advance can make dealing with a healthcare emergency a bit easier. By considering your options early, you can ensure the quality of life that is important to you and avoid having your family "guess" your wishes or having to make critical medical care decisions for you under stress or in emotional turmoil.

What kinds of advance directives are available for me to consider?

There are 4 different types of Advanced Directives:

You are not required to complete any of the above referenced documents should you choose not to do so. They are not required for receiving medical care. They are simply the tools that are available to you to make your wishes known regarding your medical treatment in the event that you are unable to speak for yourself. Please consult your legal professional and/or health care provider if you have additional questions about any of the information provided.

What are my rights?

Under the Patient Self-Determination Act, every patient, at least 18 years old and mentally competent, has the right to accept or refuse medical treatment. If you want to control decisions about your health care even if you become unable to make or to express them yourself, you will need an advance directive. Any time you are admitted to the care of a hospital, skilled nursing facility, home health care agency or hospice, you will be asked about advance directives.

What if I don't have an advance directive?

You are not required to have a living will or a medical power of attorney. If you do not have an advance directive and become unable to make decisions for yourself, your physician or health care provider will consult with someone close to you about your care.

What is Illinois Valley Community Hospital's policy on advance directives?

Illinois Valley Community Hospital recognizes and respects the rights of its patients to agree to or refuse medical treatments and will comply with its patients' advance directives as long as the wishes can be understood and can be carried out according to the law. If the patient's wishes cannot be understood or if questions arise about the use of advance directives, a consultation with the Ethics Committee can be requested by the patient, the patient's family or the caregiver.

It is Illinois Valley Community Hospital's responsibility to:

Ask patients if they have an advance directive.
Provide patients with written information regarding advance directives.
Document in the patient's medical record if an advance directive has been given.

Also, an advance directive is not required to receive medical treatment at Illinois Valley Community Hospital.

How do I make an advance directive?

Because a living will and medical power of attorney are legal documents, there are a few rules you must follow to ensure your wishes are clear and will be carried out. Both a living will and medical power of attorney must be written out and signed by you while you are still able to understand your medical condition and treatment choices. Both types of advance directives must be witnessed by two qualified people.

When should I get an advance directive?

Anyone 18 years of age or older may fill out an advance directive. Even if you are in good health, you might want to consider writing an advance directive. If you have a signed advance directive, your wishes are more likely to be followed. If you do not designate an agent, that responsibility will fall on your closest relative.

Who should have a copy of my advance directive?

You should give a copy to your power of attorney, your family, the hospital, and your physician(s). Keep a copy in a safe place where your family members can get to it. If you travel, take a copy of your advance directive with you and let someone know where it is. It is also a good idea to verbally communicate your wishes to loved ones.

Can an advance directive be changed?

Yes, a competent person may change or cancel their advance directive at any time. Remember to inform your physician, family, and your power of attorney. Also notify the hospital if your advance directive is on file. It’s a good idea to review your directive often to be sure it still reflects your wishes.

You can cancel or change your living will or medical power of attorney by (1) destroying all copies of it; (2) making a new living will or medical power of attorney; or (3) by telling your physician and, in the case of a medical power of attorney, each of your representatives of your desire to cancel or change it. If you have more than one living will or medical power of attorney, the one that was most recently created will be honored.

Whom should I talk to about my advance directives?

You should discuss your advance directives with your family and your physician. Your physician can answer any medical questions you may have. If you have any questions about the law, talk with your lawyer. Some people also discuss their decisions with clergy or other trusted advisors.

Do I have to pay to complete my advance directive at Illinois Valley Community Hospital?

There is no charge for completing advance directives at Illinois Valley Community Hospital.

Will the care I receive change if I make an advance directive?

No. Your health care team has the duty to provide quality care to you regardless of an advance directive. Your advance directive serves only to inform the team of your wishes or to appoint someone to speak for you if you are unable to communicate.

What are the advantages of advance directives?

Advance directives are a way to protect your rights as a patient. In the event you lose your ability to understand and appreciate the nature and consequences of health care decisions, an advance directive assures your wishes concerning treatment will be communicated to your physician, medical staff and hospital.

Must I execute an advance directive to receive medical care?

No. Federal law protects your right to choose whether or not you wish to execute an advance directive. The hospital is prohibited from conditioning the provision of care or discriminating against you based on your decision.

Who witnesses an advance directive?

Witnesses should be persons who not related to you by blood or marriage. Additionally, persons entitled to any part of your estate by will, deed or operation of law, or persons who have any claim against your estate do not qualify as. Generally, friends, neighbors or hospital volunteers make good witnesses.

What happens in an emergency situation or if the person is admitted to another hospital?

If properly executed, your advance directive should be honored in any hospital in Illinois. To assure that health care providers are aware of your advance directive, give a copy to your personal physician, your hospital of choice for care, and any individuals you have named to act on your behalf. Keep the original at home and tell your family where to find your advance directive in case of an emergency.

When should I execute an advance directive?

Any time is a good time to make an advance directive, but it is especially important when you are ill and seeking medical care. Remember, let your values and beliefs be your guide. Discuss your wishes with your family and friends, your physician, clergy and other important people in your life.

Where can I get these documents?

You may stop by the IVCH Admitting/Registration Department or the Social Service office to pick up these forms, or you can download them from the website links included on this page.

Where can I go for more information?

IVCH Social Services staff will be glad to answer your questions concerning advance directives. They may be reached by calling 815.780.3504.
You may also visit the following websites for additional information:

www.idph.state.il.us/public/books/advdir4.htm

www.isms.org/patients/personaldecision.html

An advance directive might not solve all your health care concerns, but it will give you peace of mind knowing that your wishes have been made known.