Patient Guide

Advance Directives Medical decisions are often difficult. As a patient, you have the right to make decisions about your own medical treatment. Decision making can become more difficult, when you are ill or experience a changes. You may become unable to tell your doctor and loved ones what kind of health care treatments you do and do not want. It is important for you to make your decisions known in advance. Note: Because circumstances change and each medical stay is different, you will be asked to either bring a copy of your existing advance directive with you during each hospital stay or to fill out a new advance directive during each stay. A Living Will, Advance Directive Form, POLST (Physician Order for Life Sustaining Treatment), Healthcare Proxy and Durable Power of Attorney (for healthcare and for finances) are all legal documents which allow you to give direction to medical personnel, loved ones and friends concerning your medical wishes. Your directive (wishes) will be followed when you are not able to speak for yourself. You do not need an attorney to complete the documents. For more information, please ask your nurse or hospital social worker. California Advance Directive Form This advance directive form is available at Kern Medical. Please ask your nurse for a copy.

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