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An advance medical directive is a legal document that provides clear direction in the event you become sick or have a medical emergency. Creating an advance medical directive can help ensure your wishes are followed and provide you with peace of mind. A Howard County advance medical directives lawyer can answer your questions and help you draft documents that meet your needs.
A knowledgeable lawyer can help you create an advance medical directive that is comprehensive and all-inclusive, meaning there are no questions about what your wishes are. You may also want to name a healthcare agent to ensure you receive the exact medical care you want.
Our team can work closely with you to draft and formalize an advance directive that encompasses all of your wishes. Attorneys Kaitlyn Tauber and Melissa Paddy at the Liberty Legacy Law Group understand advance medical directive laws and are committed to providing client-centered legal services for families in Howard County, MD.
According to a survey by the National Institute on Aging, when people were asked what their loved one would want regarding end-of-life decisions, over 30% answered incorrectly. It is important to plan for future medical care and to discuss your wishes with your loved ones.
An advance directive is a set of instructions that detail what you want done medically in cases where you are unable to communicate. An advance directive can contain the following documents:
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An advance directive will take effect when two doctors have examined the patient and, in writing, declared that the patient is not capable of making an informed decision. When the patient is unconscious or unable to communicate, certification by a second doctor is not required.
If a medical crisis occurs and you cannot communicate and do not have an advance directive, the Court and state laws will determine who makes decisions for you.
Without clear written instructions detailing your wishes, family members may disagree about how your healthcare should be handled. These disputes can sometimes become so contentious that the court must be involved.
An advance directive provides clear instructions for medical professionals, ensures your wishes are followed, and helps to avoid family conflict.
At Liberty Legacy Law Group, we’re not just planning for the future we’re honoring the lives, stories, and values that matter most.
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After completing your advance directive, you should make copies and store them in a safe location where they can be easily found. You should also discuss your wishes with your loved ones. It is prudent to provide copies to your Howard County advance medical directives attorney, medical providers, and the individual you have named as your healthcare agent.
You may want to ensure that the emergency department you would likely access has copies of your advance directive. In Howard County, the primary emergency department is the Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center, located at 5755 Cedar Lane, Columbia, MD 21044.
The advance directive law in Maryland is the Health Care Decisions Act. An advance directive is a legal document that names a healthcare agent responsible for making decisions if you become unable to do so. An advance directive allows you to clearly express your healthcare and treatment wishes. Individuals typically cover topics such as the use of life-sustaining procedures or what to do if you are in a persistent vegetative state.
Maryland law does not require that advance directives be notarized. Two witness signatures are required for the document to be legal. An individual named as the healthcare agent may not also serve as a witness. Additionally, at least one of the witnesses must be an individual who does not financially benefit from the declarant’s death.
The Declarant must also sign and attest to their emotional and mental competence, and confirm that they understand the purpose and potential outcomes.
Although an advance directive can be effective in communicating your wishes, it does have certain limitations. If you do not prioritize sharing the advance directive with all relevant healthcare providers or properly filing it in your medical records, medical professionals may not be aware of your wishes if an emergency occurs. Another issue is that if the language is not sufficiently detailed or clear, medical professionals may question its meaning.
Selecting a healthcare agent is a major decision. The individual you chose will have the authority to make healthcare decisions for you in a medical crisis if you are unable to communicate.
It is important to pick someone you trust and who will respect your wishes, values, and goals. You should have an honest conversation with the potential agent to ensure they understand their role and are willing to act in this capacity.
Making plans for your future medical care may seem daunting, but at Liberty Legacy Law Group, we routinely see clients who feel relieved when the process is complete. Creating your advance medical directive can provide a sense of security, knowing that your wishes will be carried out the way you’ve chosen.
Please contact our office to learn more about creating your personalized advance medical directive.
At Liberty Legacy Law Group, we’re not just planning for the future—we’re
honoring the lives, stories, and values that matter most.