[frogjerk]

You obviously have never had to sit with a lvoed one and write and advanced health care directive. If you do not have one in place the doctors will do what they want. These are legitamate questions that are asked a person when they are rational and can consider all options.

A health care proxy is a much better choice in this matter. I sat with my mother when she was dying with my whole family around the table. My eldest sister was her health care proxy that knew beliefs and wishes. No document can be written to make the all the difficult choices. None.

[Marty62]

THAT is exactly WHY this should never be allowed to be forced on the American people. If A person has a reasonable expectation of Death in the near future. As much as families hate the thought, the person should sit them down and say LISTEN to ME. ONE person chosen by the ill person should be in charge of all decisions. And put it in writing. At least the person will know that someone that cares about them is making the decisions...not some faceless monster bureaucrat

[greeneyes]

You are right. I helped my mom and dad with their advanced directive, and my lawyer drew up a durable power of attorney for general and health care.

I never showed them to the doctors though. We just told them each time they were hospitalized who had the authority and what “code” status they were.

That way they couldn’t read the thing and misinterpret it. They had to inform us of options. The code status determined what they had to do in an emergency.

[the long march]

The advanced health care directive ( at least in California) appoints a person who has power of attorney in matters regard health care decisions. It also has areas that you can explain what (generally) you want or do not want. You are correct having a designated person with the legal authority is the best way to go to insure you get the kind of care you desire ( regardless of what that is)

[Gondring]

And this booklet discusses both advance directives and healthcare proxies. :-)