Resources and Links

Advanced Healthcare Directives

An advance medical directive is a form that lets you plan ahead for the care you would want if you could no longer express your wishes. This statement outlines the medical treatment you would want or names the person you would wish to make health care decisions for you. Advance Directives protect your rights for medical care. This includes planning treatment before you need it. Together with your doctor or other provider, you can make decisions to set your mind at ease. An Advance Directive will not take away your right to make your own decisions and works only when you are unable to speak for yourself.

Examples of Advance Directives

A Living Will

The living will form lets you list the care you want at the end of your life. It takes effect only when you can no longer express your wishes yourself. A living will can be created at any time.

A Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care

The Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care form lets you name someone else to be your agent. This person can decide on treatment for you only when you can’t speak for yourself. 

A “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) Order

Louisiana Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (LaPOST) is an easily identifiable yellow document that translates your goals of care and treatment. The LaPOST document represents a “plan of care” for those with a life-limiting illness. LaPOST does not replace an Advance Health Care Directive but can be used to establish the directives. You can download our LaPOST document here.