Advance Medical Directives In Maryland: Making Your Wishes Clear

In this article, you will discover:

• Why an advance medical directive crucial to have in Maryland
• The difference between an advance medical directive and a healthcare power of attorney
• Why you should hire an estate planning attorney to draft you advance medical directive

What Is An Advance Medical Directive, And Why Is It Crucial For Maryland Residents?

An advance medical directive is a legal document that allows you to determine whether you receive certain levels of medical intervention if you are in a persistent vegetative state, end-stage condition or terminal condition.

Having an advance medical directive is crucial for Maryland residents. If you are unable to make medical decisions for yourself due to an accident or serious illness, you’ll need someone to make healthcare decisions for you. If you’ve appointed a healthcare agent in Part One of Maryland’s Advance Medical Directive, that person can make those decisions on your behalf.

An advance medical directive also communicates your treatment preferences regarding life support, life-sustaining procedures, and the receipt of artificial nutrition and hydration.

What Are The Differences Between A Maryland Advance Medical Directive And A Healthcare Power Of Attorney?

The Advance Medical Directive consists of three parts:

• Part 1 — Healthcare Power of Attorney: You designate a healthcare agent, someone who can make healthcare decisions for you when you are unable to.
• Part 2 — Advance Medical Directive or Living Will: You communicate your preferences for treatment and life-sustaining procedures.
• Part 3 — Signatures and Witnesses: Your signature, along with the signatures of two witnesses, makes the directive legally binding, verifies that you were of sound mind when you made the directive, and indicates that you understand its contents.

How Can An Advance Medical Directive Reduce Family Stress During Medical Emergencies In Maryland?

Suppose you have suffered a catastrophic injury due to an accident, and that your family is faced with the decision whether you should receive life-sustaining procedures. If you have an advance directive stating your preferences regarding life-sustaining procedures, it save your family from having to make those difficult decisions because your wishes are already memorialized.

Why Should You Hire A Maryland Estate Planning Attorney To Draft Your Advance Directive?

When you’re considering an advance medical directive, it’s helpful to discuss these difficult, life-altering decisions with an attorney. For example, in Maryland’s advance medical directive form, you’re asked whether you want life-sustaining procedures if you have an end-stage condition, terminal illness, or are in a persistent vegetative state. Your attorney can explain the difference between these three conditions and why you may want life-sustaining procedures for one but not necessarily another.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on advance medical directives in Maryland, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (410) 650-6637 today.