An advance directive is a legally binding document regulated by state laws. Advance directives are subject to The Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA), 1990, a federal law that encourages individuals ...

States generally allow a person (principal) to appoint another person (agent) to make health care decisions, receive protected health information, or both on the principal’s behalf. In many states, ...

Christy Bieber has a JD from UCLA School of Law and began her career as a college instructor and textbook author. She has been writing full time for over a decade with a focus on making financial and ...

Implementing advance care planning consults can increase advance directive completion rates. The authors demonstrate the impact of consults on completed advance directives in the medical record.

Two main types of advance directives are living wills and healthcare power of attorney. These are legal documents that outline a person’s preferences regarding major medical decisions. An advance ...

An advance directive is an often overlooked part of estate planning, but it shouldn't be. This array of critical legal documents clarifies your medical care wishes should you be incapacitated. After ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I am a Forbes.com Contributor specializing in geriatric health and women's health articles. End-of-life planning isn’t an easy ...

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people unexpectedly needed critical care such as ventilators but were unable to communicate their end-of-life wishes to their loved ones. Researchers like me, who ...

In our last article, we shared about a friend’s court battle to become the legal medical decision-maker for her father who was suffering from cognitive decline. Although it was a necessary step to ...

An advance directive for the state where you live may not be effective in another state. Some states have provisions that respect out-of-state directives as long as they conform to the requirements of ...

What do you know about advance directives and end-of-life planning? When I ask this question, many tell me they have completed a will (for property) and have thought about their funeral arrangements.

If estate planning isn't a grim enough subject, adding an advance directive for dementia to your plan is doubly unpleasant. But an hour or so of your time now could ensure your loved ones know how you ...