8000, Administration

Revision 06-2; Effective December 12, 2006

 

 

8100 End of Life Decisions

Revision 05-1; Effective December 2, 2005

 

 

8110 Advance Directives

Revision 06-2; Effective December 12, 2006

The Patient Self Determination Act requires that an individual receive, at the time of admission, written information concerning his right under state law to make decisions concerning his medical care, including the right to accept or refuse medical or surgical treatment and the right to formulate advance directives.

Advance directives are instructions given by an individual to his family and doctor that explain what medical treatment he does and does not want if he is unable to make decisions due to accident, illness or mental incapacity. Examples of advance directives are the:

  • Living Will, or Directive to Physicians, governed by Chapter 166 of the Health and Safety Code; and
  • Medical Power of Attorney for Health Care, governed by Chapter 166 of the Health and Safety Code.

In those instances where the individual is incompetent, unable to make decisions or has not issued an advance directive, the provider must follow the Health and Safety Code, §166.039, Procedure When Person Has Not Executed or Issued a Directive and is Incompetent or Incapable of Communication.