Health Care Advance Directives/Living Wills

You have the right to prepare in advance your written wishes for your health care in the event that you are unable to speak for yourself.  These documents allow you to include the choices you want for health care treatments. Vermont law allows you to designate an agent to act on your behalf when you are unable to make decisions for yourself..

• Living Wills - give directions by appointing an agent and/or writing specific directions that apply if your physician feels you are terminally ill.

• Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care - authorizes another person (an agent) to make decisions on your behalf even though you are not terminally ill.

When should you prepare a written advance directive?

The best time to think about the care you would want or do not want is when you are able to decide for yourself.  

Can an advance directive be changed?

Yes.  You can change or cancel your advance directive or living will.

More Information

For more information and a copy of an advanced directive and a living will contact the Vermont Ethnics Network.