Advance Directive Information An advance directive is what many people think of as a “living will,” or a “durable power of attorney for health care.” It is a written document that outlines your wishes for medical treatment, including if you are no longer able to make those decisions on your own. In Vermont it is not automatically your spouse or next of kin that will make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so yourself. Therefore, selecting a health care agent is another important decision that you will need to make. These resources will help you create your advance directive or appoint a health care agent and register it with the Vermont Advance Directive Registry database. http://www.vtethicsnetwork.org http://healthvermont.gov/vadr/index.aspx Here is the resource for our New York patients: http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/conditions/dementia/adv_care_planning.htm Thinking about and planning ahead for emergencies and end-of-life situations when you are in good health gives you and your loved ones the opportunity to prepare for a medical crisis that can happen to anyone at any time. Many of our Community Health sites have trained staff who can help you complete an advance directive. Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)/Clinician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (COLST) DNR/COLST orders must be issued on the form contained in this link. There are also instructions for completing the form. https://www.healthvermont.gov/systems/advance-directives/do-not-resuscitate-dnr-colst
