[ Browse by Service Category : Topics Related to Living Wills (3) ]
Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
Programs that provide assistance for people who want to officially authorize another individual (and one or more alternates) to make health care decisions on their behalf in the event that they become incapacitated and are unable to make those decisions themselves. The appointed agent is authorized to review the medical records of the individual, admit and/or discharge the individual from a hospital or nursing facility, consult with his or her caregivers and sign forms that may be needed to assure that care is provided according to his or her preferences. The agent may also carry out the individual's preferences regarding organ donation.
Medical Assistance in Dying
Services authorized under federal Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) legislation to assist eligible patients, family caregivers and health care providers in coordinating medical aid to hasten an inevitable and imminent death. Patients are supported throughout in fully understanding and maintaining control of the process, and assisted in applications and connecting with local clinicians.
Death With Dignity Advocacy Groups
Organizations that promote death with dignity laws which support the right of terminally ill people to end their lives in a planned manner either by active means e.g., physician-assisted dying or by the removal of life support per a signed medical directive.
The above terms and definitions are part of the Taxonomy of Human Services, used here by permission of INFO LINE of Los Angeles.