Advance Directives

Physicians often play an integral role in assisting patients with advance directives, which are written instructions to be followed in the event that such patients become unable to make their own health care decisions. One function of an advance directive allows patients to specify health care that they would like to receive or refuse if they are later deemed incapable of making an informed decision. Another function of an advance directive is to specify an agent to make decisions on behalf of the patient in these situations. Below are resources to assist patients in developing advance directives.

Resources

Virginia Advance Medical Directive Form (PDF)

Advance Directive Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Department for the Aging (vda.virginia.gov) 

HDJN Client Advisory - Revisions to the Virginia Health Care Decisions Act governing Advance Directives and Durable Do Not Resuscitate (DDNR) Orders

Law revised to enhance health care decision-making rights (vsb.org)

Virginia Department for the Aging – Advance Medical Directive (vda.virginia.gov)