12-Oct-2006

Question: Are advance directives such as a Living Will and Appointment of Health Care Agent (formerly know as Medical Power of Attorney) just for the aged? If I’m young with no medical problems, why do I need something like a power of attorney?


Answer: Advance Directives are for all adults, including emancipated minors, and even some mature minors. It is impossible to anticipate when an accident or serious illness will leave you incapable of making your own health care decisions.

For example, if you have an automobile accident and you become incapable of making your own health care decisions and have not taken the time to prepare your advance directives, a surrogate will be selected for you. To see the complexity that goes into selecting a surrogate please use this link:
http://www2.state.tn.us/health/boards/advancedirectives/Flowchart.pdf