Woods & Water Medical Center Health Care Directives-
If you want to make a new health care
directive or change your current one
before you have surgery, please do so
before you come to the hospital.
Minnesota and Wisconsin laws allow you
to tell others what health care you want if
you cant speak for yourself. You have the
right to state your wishes in writing. Or
you can appoint someone to make
decisions for you.
The information below tells about health
care directives and how to prepare one. It
does not give every detail of the law. Ask
your lawyer if you have legal questions.
What is a health care directive?
A health care directive is a legal, written
document. It tells others what health care
you want. It may also be called a living
will, a durable power of attorney for health
care, or something else depending on
where you live.
Your health care directive allows you to
name one or more persons to serve as
your agent(s). The job of your agent(s) is
to carry out your wishes and, if you wish,
to make decisions for you.
You must be at least 18 years old to make
a health care directive.
Why have a health care
directive?
A health care directive is important if you
can tell others your wishes because you
are too sick or injured. It is also important
if you want someone else to make
decisions for you.
How do I make a health care
directive?
You can get forms for health care
directives from:
Your doctor
Your lawyer
The Minnesota Board on Aging
(800-882-6262 or 651-431-2500)
The State of Wisconsin, Division of
Public Health (608-266-1251)
St. Marys Chaplaincy Department
(218-786-4442)
If you would like to make a health care
directive, Chaplaincy Services can help
you. Call 218-786-4442 to make an
appointment. Office hours are 8:00-4:30,
Monday through Friday.
Do I need a health care
directive?
You dont need to have a health care
directive. You will still receive treatment.
Doctors and nurses will listen to what
people close to you say your wishes would
be. However, the best way to be sure your
wishes are followed is to have a health
care directive.
If you do have a health care directive,
hospitals within the Woods & Waters
Medical center system, both religious or
not, will honor your wishes as long as they
follow stare law.
Should I bring it to the
hospital?
Please review your health care directive
and make any changes before you come
to the hospital. If Woods & Waters Medical
center does not have an updated copy of
your health care directive, bring a copy
with you on the day of surgery so we have
an up-to-date copy on file.
Be sure to call several days before your
surgery. Writing or changing a health care
directive takes time. There will not be
enough time to make your changes on the
day of surgery.
Where can I learn more?
If you would like to know more, classes
about health care directives are held from
4:00-5:30 on the following dates: No May 14, 2012- Woods & Water
registration is needed. medical Center- Meeting Room 3
September 12, 2011- Woods &
Water Medical Center- Community
Room
November 14, 2011- Woods &
Water Medical Center- Minnesota
Room
February 13, 2012- Woods & Water
Medical Center- Minnesota Room
March 12, 2012- Woods & Water
Medical Center- Community Room