Advance Health-Care Directives
About
In the United States, we have the best medical care in the world. But medical care has its limits. Sometimes there is a point when nothing else can be done to cure a deadly illness or injury. In such cases you might want to give instructions to make sure that you are treated in a certain way. Many patients wonder if they were close to dying or permanently unconscious, if their doctors would try to keep them alive without being able to cure them. But they wonder how to make sure the doctors, nurses, and their family members know what they want. In the state of Mississippi, you can complete a document called an Advance Health-Care Directive. It lets your family and doctor know what kinds of care you want at the end of your life.
FAQs
What right do I have?
In Mississippi, you have the right to give instructions about your own health-care. You also have the right to name someone else to make health-care decisions for you. You have to be informed of your treatment options and must agree to be treated.
What does Part 1 of an advanced directive do for me?
Part 1 is a power of attorney for health-care. Lets you name another individual as agent to make health-care decisions for you if you become incapable of making your own decisions or if you want someone else to make those decisions for you now even though you are still capable. You may name an alternate agent to act for you if your first choice is not willing, able or reasonable available to make decisions for you.
Who can my agent be?
Your agent may not be an owner, operator, or employee of a residential long-term healthcare institution at which you are receiving care Wlless he or she is a relative. Good choices are an adult child or close friend. You can name your spouse as your agent, but if you have a divorce or annulment. he or she won't remain as your agent.
What can my agent do?
Unless the form you sign limits the authority of your agent, your agent may make all healthcare decisions for you. This form has a place for you to limit the authority of your agent. You need not limit the authority of your agent if you wish to rely on your agent for all healthcare decisions that may have to be made. If you choose not to limit the authority of your agent, your agent will have the right to:
- Consent or refuse consent to any care, treatment, service. or procedure to maintain, diagnose, or otherwise affect a physical or mental condition.
- Select or discharge healthcare providers and institutions.
- Approve or disapprove diagnostic tests, surgical procedures, programs of mediation, and orders not to resuscitate.
- Direct the provision, withholding or withdrawal of artifical nutrition and hydration and all other forms of healthcare.
What does Part 2 of an Advance Directive do for me?
Part 2 lets you give specific instructions about any aspect of your healthcare.
What kind of instruction can I give in part 2?
Choices are provided for you to express your wishes regarding the provision, withholding, or withdrawal of treatment to keep you alive, including the provision of artificial nutrition and hydration. as well as the provision of pain relief.
What does part 3 of an advance directive do for me?
Part 3 of this form lets you designate a physician to have primary responsibility for your healthcare. By doing this, it lets a hospital or nursing home know who your normal doctor is. Your primary physician determines when your power of attorney for healthcare becomes active.
If I am an emancipated minor, can I sign an advanced directive?
Yes. If you are married, have been married, and/or have been legally emancipated from your parents, you can complete an advance healthcare directive.
What do I do with my advanced directive?
After completing it:
- Sign and date the last section and have the form withnessed by one of the two alternative methods.
- Give a copy of the signed and completed form to your physician, to any other healthcare providers you may have, to any health care institution at which you are receiving care and to any health care agents you have named.
Once I have signed an advance directive, can I change it or revoke it?
You have the right to revoke this advance health care directive or replace this at any time. You can tear up the form. personally tell your doctor to ignore the form, or simply fill out a new fonn.
Important items to remember
In Mississippi, your doctor or your healthcare facility can disagree with the content of your advance healthcare directive based on a matter of conscience. If this happens, you have the right to be transferred to someone who will follow your wishes. Your facility will have to provide care while transfer is arranged.
Your right
You have the right to comment and/or complain about the advance directive policies of your healthcare facllity. If you want to do this, please call your state Medicaid office at 1-800-421-2408.
Not Legal Advice
This information is not legal advice, so if you think you need legal advice please contact your lawyer.
Learn More About Managed Care
Advance Health-Care Directives
Learn more about advance directives, a written statement of a person's wishes regarding medical treatment.
Case Management
Our dedicated case managers work closely with patients to coordinate care, ensuring that individuals receive the appropriate services tailored to their needs.
Hospital Meal Program
Learn more about the hospital meal program, a service that provides meals to patients and families.
Purchased & Referred Care (PRC)
This department is responsible for managing purchased services, providing patients with options for high-quality care within our network.
Referral Department
Our Referral Department facilitates seamless communication with external healthcare providers, ensuring timely access to specialized services for our patients.
Social Workers
Our skilled social workers are available to assist patients with various social and emotional needs, offering support and resources to enhance overall health.