End of Life Planning

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Editor: Gerry W. Beyer

Texas Tech Univ. School of Law
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Monday, May 4, 2015

End of Life Planning
Gerry W. Beyer
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Planning and communicating about end-of-life issues is one of the most important tasks a family can do.  However, there is much confusion among individuals regarding which form is the correct one and who should have a copy?

An advance directive is an important legal document, intended to prepare its owners in advance for difficult times.  Although an advance directive does not provide a clear and sequential set of instructions for doctors to follow, it should be seen as a conversation starter and guide for your loved ones to work with your doctors and make decisions that are based on your goals and values as events unfold.

Individuals should also complete a Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment or Polst form (also known as a pre-hospital DNR) and have it signed by their doctor.  Polst forms are recognized in 45 states, and some states are even calling for Polst registries–electronic databases that provide rapid access to this information.  The form summarizes a doctor’s specifications for the sue of specific treatments like breathing machines, chest compressions and electric shocks to the heart.  This is a blunt, clear instruction to medical providers, not meant for use by healthy people.

See Jessica Nutik Zitter, The Right Paperwork for Your End-of-Life Wishes, The New York Times, Apr. 29, 2015.

Special thanks to Jim Hillhouse for bringing this article to my attention.