Advance Directives
Patient-Focused Care in Henry County
Ohio Law recognizes three types of Advance Directives, two of which are
the living will and the durable power of attorney for healthcare. The
living will allows you to decide and document, in advance, the type of
care you would like to receive if you were to become permanently unconscious
or terminally ill and unable to communicate. The durable power of attorney
for healthcare enables you to select someone to make medical decisions
for you when you are unable to do so. Upon admission to Henry County Hospital,
you will receive a pamphlet entitled, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT. This pamphlet
explains these documents and also answers questions concerning them.
In cooperation with the Ohio Law, Henry County Hospital adheres to policies
that guarantee your rights regarding advance directives. These policies
ensure that the hospital will respectfully comply with any directives
you have previously formulated, to the extent permitted by law, and will
provide guidance and assistance if you desire to formulate new or different
directives, while you are hospitalized. Please inform your physician or
nurse if you would like assistance with advance directives.
You will receive the highest standard of care at Henry County Hospital,
even if you have not completed advance directives. However, please feel
free to make your wishes known, by discussing your medical care with your
physician or nurse.
Henry County Hospital also has a policy that addresses the removal of tube
feedings and/or mechanical ventilation from a patient who has not completed
advance directives. Please speak with your physician or nurse if you would
like to discuss this policy.
The third classification of advance directives implemented by the State
of Ohio is the do not resuscitate/comfort care (DNR/CC) and the do no
resuscitate/comfort care-arrest designation.
DNR/CC is a form of advance directive that directs that a dying person
receives care that eases pain and/or suffering, but no resuscitative measures
to save or sustain life.
DNR/CC is a form of advance directive that directs that a dying person
receives care that eases pain and/or suffering, but no resuscitative measures
to save or sustain life until the time he/she experiences a cardiac or
respiratory arrest. Once an arrest is confirmed, all resuscitative measures
are withdrawn.
Please speak with your physician or nurse if you would like more information
on comfort care.
Click
here for a complimentary copy of the Advance Directive/Living Will.