Assigning critical healthcare decisions when there are no other choices.

HEALTHCARE DECISIONS/ADVANCED HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVES

Family members often face challenges when they need to make health care decisions for loved ones. In New York, anyone over the age of 18 should consider appointing someone to make their healthcare decisions and ensure that advanced health care directives are in place. At Solomon Richman P.C. we can help you draft the necessary forms to ensure your final wishes are carried out. New York has very specific healthcare directives which include:

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• New York State Health Care Proxy – a health care proxy allows you to name the person who will make all medical decisions on your behalf should you be unable to. These directives take effect only in the event you are unable to make those decisions for yourself. In order to be used, two physicians must agree you are unable to make your own decisions. New York has standardized forms for this document and copies should be provided to the person you designate as your proxy, your closest family and anyone involved in your overall health care.

• New York Living Will – a living will is a document that outlines specifics about the care you want or do not want when your life is approaching the end. In the event you are in a serious accident, are in a coma, or suffer a life-threatening condition, this document provides your family and loved ones guidance. Your doctor would confirm whether or not you were able to make your own decisions before these measures were taken.

• Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order – a DNR specifies when an emergency worker or other health care provider should not take steps to revive you when your heart stops beating (using cardiopulmonary resuscitation) or you stop breathing. In order to use a DNR order, your physician would have to sign off on it. Most hospitals have their own forms for this purpose but anyone can use what is called a “non-hospital order not to resuscitate.” Some people include these instructions on their health care proxy forms or in their living wills. New York does have a standardized form for these orders.

 

Regardless of your age or your physical health, having these orders in place can save your family a great deal of trauma and grief. At Solomon Richman, P.C. we can help you draft the necessary health care directives to ensure your final wishes are carried out. Call Solomon Richman P.C. at (516) 437-6443 to set up a consultation to ensure someone is appointed to look out for your best interests in the event you are no longer able to do so for yourself.