Recognizing National Healthcare Decisions Day
WALTHAM, MASS. The Massachusetts Medical Society, in recognition of the first National Healthcare Decisions Day on April 16, is highlighting the importance of advance care planning and reminding citizens throughout the Commonwealth to complete written directives and health care proxies such as healthcare powers of attorney and living wills.
Directed by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, National Healthcare Decision Day has drawn the commitment and support of nearly 30 national organizations. Recognizing that only a small percentage of Americans have completed advance directives, the groups have united in nationwide initiative to focus attention on the issue and provide information on healthcare decision-making to both citizens and providers. Free tools to guide individuals through the process will be available at www.nationalhealthcaredecisionday.org.
The Massachusetts Medical Society, the statewide organization of physicians, has issued annual reminders to establish healthcare proxies, written documents that ensure individuals will receive the type of care they want in the event they are unable to communicate their choices at the end of their lives. A health care proxy, also known as medical proxies or medical powers of attorney, is a document that designates a trusted relative or friend to make health care decisions for an individual if he or she is unable to make them for themselves. It is a legally binding instrument that allows for one's wishes to be carried out.
In addition to the national Web site, resources are available for consumers from the Medical Society and the Massachusetts Commission on End of Life Care. To obtain information on health care proxies, visit the Medical Society atwww.healthcareproxy.org. A proxy form is available free, along with step-by-step instructions. To view the state's Resource Guide for End of Life Services, visit www.endoflifecommission.org.
The Massachusetts Medical Society, with more than 20,000 physicians and student members, is dedicated to educating and advocating for the patients and physicians of Massachusetts. The Society publishes The New England Journal of Medicine, one of the world's leading medical journals; the Journal Watch family of professional newsletters covering 11 specialties; and AIDS Clinical Care. The Society is also a leader in continuing medical education for health care professionals throughout Massachusetts, conducting a variety of medical education programs for physicians and health care professionals. Founded in 1781, MMS is the oldest continuously operating medical society in the country.
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