On April 16, Licking Memorial Health Systems (LMHS) joined the observance of National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) to inspire and empower people to discuss advance care planning (ACP).  Director of Pastoral Services Jeff Smith was available during the day to offer employees education regarding LMHS’ Advance Care Planning program.  

Making future healthcare decisions is one part of the ACP process, but it includes much more than deciding what care is or is not desired.  ACP begins with expressing preferences, clarifying values, and selecting an agent to express healthcare decisions if incapacitated.  Making wishes known to loved ones, friends and healthcare providers removes uncertainty in the event of a medical crisis.  NHDD is an initiative to encourage individuals to express their wishes regarding healthcare, and for providers and facilities to respect those wishes.  A collaborative effort, numerous national, state and community organizations are committed to ensuring that all adults with decision-making capacity in the United States have the information and resources to communicate and document their future healthcare decisions. 

ACP involves the use of advance directives and legal documents, such as a living will and healthcare power of attorney, that direct medical care when a patient is unable to communicate his or her own wishes due to a medical condition.  State-specific advance directives are available to download.  Each state’s advance directive is legally reviewed on an annual basis and meets each state’s statutory requirements.  Completing an advance directive is an important step toward having healthcare preferences honored.  In Ohio, do not resuscitate orders, living wills, organ donation and durable power of attorney are advance directives that are authorized by state law.  The Ohio Hospital Association (OHA) and Ohio hospitals are committed to providing the education and resources needed to assist individuals to take control and put these wishes in writing, including the Ohio Advance Directives booklet, Choices: Living Well at the End of Life, which includes the most recent advance directives forms. 

Joining the efforts to spread the importance of conversations about end-of-life care, LMHS offers a free program to answer questions about advance care planning and explain the documentation needed to ensure an individual’s right to accept or refuse medical care if they become mentally or physically unable to communicate those wishes.  To learn more about LMHS’ Advance Care Planning program, call (220) 564-4004 to schedule a free consultation.