Advance Directives

An Advance Directive informs others of your wishes about healthcare options if you become unable to participate in medical treatment decisions. With an Advance Directive, you create a legal document called a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care.

This document enables you to define your wishes concerning your care and treatment options and allows you to appoint someone you trust to make these decisions for you. The decision maker, also known as a surrogate or patient advocate, should understand how you feel about healthcare issues. Learn as much as you can about the choices that may have to be made and talk with your decision maker about your preferences and values.

A nurse at ZCH will talk with you about an Advance Directive and can provide you with a form, if needed. If you already have a completed form, please give it to your nurse. Michigan law does not require that Advance Directives be notarized but must be witnessed by two people not related to you. Hospital employees may not witness Advance Directives. ZCH does not require that a patient have a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care or a signed Advance Directive to receive medical care.

The Michigan legislature offers helpful information about Advance Directives.