Caution: This page contains ONLY GENERAL LEGAL INFORMATION.
It is NOT LEGAL ADVICE nor a replacement for talking to a lawyer
and getting legal advice about your case.
The law can be complicated and the details of a case can be even more complicated!
There are exceptions for every rule.
What you do not know can harm you. Do not rely on general legal information.
AT YOUR OWN RISK.
MEDICAL DIRECTIVES
There are laws under which others are asked to make medical decisions, if you are unable to do so:
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decisions by next-of-kin;
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Power of Attorney (for personal decisions); and
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Guardianship of the Person.
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But whoever must make decisions for you, are expected to be guided by what you would decide if you could.
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You can set out you want regarding with certain medical. This is a Medical Directive, sometimes referred to a Living Will. Basically, this document says:
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what medical measures should be take, and
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given your medical condition.
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For example, you can say you should not be incubated if your a in a irreversible coma. Do not resuscitate directions are contained in these documents.
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Consider information from Dying with Dignity at
https://www.dyingwithdignity.ca/download_your_advance_care_planning_kit
or other reliable sources.
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It is especially important to have a medical directive if your health is failing.
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You should discuss a medical directive with your doctor. The document will be read by and is intended to guide doctors.
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