ADVANCE DIRECTIVES

  Advance Directives are legal forms (living will and durable power of attorney) used to express persons' wishes regarding health care decisions in the case that they are unable to speak for themselves. Both documents are recognized in South Dakota.

  The living will is a document that goes into effect only after your attending physician and one other physician have diagnosed you terminally ill or permanently unconcious. It contains directions as to whether or not you want life sustaining treatment.

  The durable power of attorney for health care is generally viewed as the preferred document for Advance Directives. This document is more comprehensive and flexible than a living will. It can do everything that a living will can do, plus your agent can make decisions with the doctor that applies to other than terminal care.

  If you have an advance directive, please bring a copy for your medical record. If you wish to execute an advance directive, please request the the assistance of the social service department.

  Advance directives are not required and your care is not dependent on having an advance directive. You may revoke an advance directive at any time by telling a health care provider that you wish to revoke your advance directive.