Send a Copy to Your Medical Provider

Once your healthcare directive is signed, one of the first steps is making sure your medical team has it on file. Many hospitals and clinics will store it electronically in your patient file so it is readily available if you are admitted.

If you work with a law firm for your estate planning, they may assist with sending it directly to your provider, including major medical systems such as Mayo Clinic or Olmsted Medical Center. Even so, it is wise to verify that your provider has received and uploaded it correctly.

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Bring It to Planned Medical Procedures

If you are preparing for surgery, childbirth, or any other scheduled medical procedure, bring a copy of your healthcare directive with you. Even if the clinic believes they have your directive on file, having your own copy removes any doubt. Planned procedures give you the opportunity to be proactive and ensure all decision makers are identified and reachable.

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Keep a Copy in Your Vehicle

Another helpful step is keeping an extra copy in the glove compartment of your car. In the event of a serious accident, first responders or hospital staff may look for important documents in common locations. While there are never guarantees, having a copy available increases the chances that your healthcare agent can be contacted quickly.

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Carry a Wallet Card

To make your directive even more accessible, many estate planning firms provide clients with a wallet card. This small card alerts emergency personnel that you have a healthcare directive and lists the names and phone numbers of the people you selected as agents.

Because wallets are almost always with us, this can be one of the most effective ways to ensure the right people are contacted if you are found unconscious or unable to communicate.

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Should You List Children Jointly as Healthcare Agents?

This is a common question. Many parents assume naming two children jointly will prevent conflict, but in medical emergencies it often does the opposite. When two people are required to make decisions together:

• They may disagree on treatment options

• They may not both be reachable at the same time

• Medical providers may not know whose instructions to follow

Because urgent decisions sometimes need to be made within minutes, naming a single primary agent is usually the better approach. You can still list additional children as backups, simply in sequential order.

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Final Thoughts

Your healthcare directive cannot protect you if no one can find it. Storing it in the right places, keeping it up to date, and making sure your decision makers are reachable ensures your wishes will be respected in a crisis. At Yanowitz Law Firm, we have been helping families prepare, organize and safeguard their estate planning documents for nearly three decades. If you have questions about your healthcare directive or need help reviewing your documents, our team is here to assist you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

   

1. Do I need to give my healthcare directive to multiple people?
It is not required, but it is very helpful. Giving copies to your healthcare agent and keeping additional copies in common locations increases the chances that it will be found during an emergency.

2. Can I store my healthcare directive digitally instead of keeping paper copies?
You should always keep the original paper document, but digital copies can be an excellent backup. They can also be quickly emailed to providers if needed.

3. How often should I update my healthcare directive?
It is wise to review it every few years or after major life changes such as a move, a change in your agent’s contact information, marriage, or divorce. Ensuring phone numbers are current is especially important.

Author

Claire creates wills and trusts which provide security and peace of mind. She compassionately listens to her clients’ dreams, goals, and fears and then fashions plans that best meet their needs. It is important to Claire that her clients understand different options and make decisions that are right for them. She loves to educate clients by drawing out complicated concepts.

Come visit us! Conveniently located in Rochester, Minnesota.