For Families & Individuals

Understanding End-of-Life Issues and Options

This Web site explores some important issues surrounding planning for the future. It also makes available one basic tool for expressing your individual wishes for the healthcare you want to receive.

This tool is called an Advance Healthcare Directive (AHD). It is a written set of instructions which outlines a person's preferences for end-of-life care in the event that they are no longer able to communicate instructions.

All 50 states and the District of Columbia have laws outlining a patient's right to have an Advance Healthcare Directive.

As a resource for families and individuals, this site provides a means to:

• Learn more about planning for the future
• Find answers to frequently asked legal questions and medical questions
• Find professionals who can help with the planning process
• Find out what's happening on your local, regional and national scene with regard to related medical, social, political and legislative topics
• View videos on relevant topics