Advance Directives

Texas and federal law give every competent adult, 18 years or older, the right to make their own healthcare decisions, including the right to decide what medical care or treatment to accept, reject or discontinue.

An Advance Directive is a means for a person to state what medical care he or she wants done if they cannot speak for themselves and are in critical condition. The Advance Directive was formerly known as a Living Will. A person can say in advance if he or she wants to be on a respirator, wants food or water if he is in a coma, or wants to be resuscitated.

Once completed, a copy should be left with your doctor, your family, and any friend who may need to produce this document when you cannot. If you change your mind, you can revoke an Advance Directive at any time simply by telling those you gave it to that it no longer applies.

For more information on Advance Directives, contact the DeTar Healthcare System Chaplain Joe Crisp at 361-788-6001.