Do You Have the Appropriate Healthcare Documents in Place?

Before heading into the new year, ensure that you have the appropriate healthcare documents included in your Estate Plan. A comprehensive Estate Plan has many components, but those having to do with your health are particularly important!

Here are the must-have healthcare documents that should be included in your plan:

·         Designation of Healthcare Surrogate: This allows you to appoint a person or persons to make healthcare decisions on your behalf,  consent or deny medical treatment, and receive protected information about your health in the event you are incapacitated or unable to make your own decisions.

·         Living Will: This document is used to express what type of medical treatments you would, or would not, want if you are in an end-stage, terminal condition, or persistent vegetative state. Executing a living will makes it easier for your loved ones to make these difficult decisions.

·         HIPAA Authorization: This document authorizes people of your choosing to request and receive protected health information about you. Here you will list names, a description of use, and a timeframe for this authorization.

·         Declaration of Pre-Need Guardian: This allows you to recommend a person of your choosing to step in and serve as your guardian in the event a legal guardianship proceeding has been instituted on your behalf.

Reminder: Ensure your child’s healthcare documents are in order as well. If your child is over 18 years of age, you are no longer entitled to legal, financial, or medical decisions in the event of an emergency. If your child is heading back to college after winter break, ensure they are heading back with the appropriate legal documents in place!

Having your healthcare documents in place can protect you and those close to you by clearly stating what your wishes are. Connect with our team to make sure these must-have healthcare documents are in order for the new year!