Ohio Advance Directives Week, Oct. 10-16, is used to promote the use of advance directives such as living wills and health care powers of attorney (HCPOA). Living wills are written documents that take effect if a person acquires a terminal condition and is not able to speak for himself or herself. The living will tells physicians and others what medical care to provide. Those completing HCPOAs appoint someone to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so, such as during a period of temporary unconsciousness following an accident or surgery.
Many Ohio organizations, including hospitals, are recognizing this week with educational seminars and informational sessions. Useful resources exist on multiple Web sites, including:
Ohio Hospice & Palliative Care Organization: https://ohacep.org/aws/OHPCO/pt/sd/news_article/34058/_PARENT/layout_details/false or www.ohpco.org
Ohio State Bar Foundation’s “Light the Way”: http://www.osbf.net/advancedirectives/
American Hospital Association “Put It in Writing”: http://www.putitinwriting.org/putitinwriting_app/index.jsp
National Healthcare Decisions Day: http://www.nationalhealthcaredecisionsday.org/Welcome.htm
Education in Palliative and End-of-Life Care for Oncology: http://www.cancer.gov/aboutnci/epeco
Ohio Hospital Association: http://www.ohanet.org/Issue/Advance%20Directives
Donate Life Ohio: http://www.donatelifeohio.org/