A Primer in Health Care Advance Directives
Advances in modern medicine have made it possible to prolong the lives of seriously ill individuals without always offering realistic hope for improvement or a cure. For some individuals, the possibility of extended life is viewed as meaningful and beneficial. For others, prolonging life artificially may only extend suffering and delay the dying process.
The Florida Legislature recognizes the fundamental right of individuals to make medical decisions to have life-prolonging health care procedures provided, withheld, or withdrawn. It also recognizes the right of adults to plan ahead for any type of health care decision and to have their wishes respected through the use of advance directives. Frequently, advanced directives are written when a person is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness or is planning some course of medical treatment. More often, however, these documents are included as a part of a person’s estate planning.
