THINK ABOUT YOUR HEALTHCARE DECISIONS AND HOW TO MAKE YOUR CHOICES KNOWN
Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center encourages all capable adult patients to complete Advance Directives. These are legal documents that let you state in writing what you want for medical care when you are not able to tell us.
In New Hampshire these include a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare and a Living Will. In Vermont, the Advance Directive for healthcare includes both of these in a single document. You can also make other end-of-life wishes known in the form.
The Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care lets you choose who you want to make health care decisions for you, in the event that you are unable to speak for yourself. This person, acting as your agent, will have the power to make a broad range of health care decisions for you.
The Living Will becomes effective should you become terminally ill. It states that in the event of terminal illness, medical care should be focused on comfort.
HOW DO I GET THE FORMS?
The forms are available at Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center or can be completed with your attorney. Or, click here for more information on Vermont Advance Directives and the Vermont Advance Directives Registry.
You can fill out the documents at any time. It is important that you take the time you need to think about them and discuss them with your doctor, and with those closest to you.
If you want to discuss Advance Directives further, or need other help, contact the Case Management department at Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center (802) 674- 7406, or make an appointment with your attorney.
DO I HAVE TO DO THEM?
No. Completing Advance Directives is optional. Your care will not be affected if you decide not to fill out the forms.
EMERGENCY CARE
In an emergency, your medical record (including any completed Advance Directives) may not be immediately available.; If the medical team is unclear as to your wishes, we will begin emergency care that may sustain your life. This can be stopped if it is clear later that this is not what you want. We will assume you want cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if your heart or breathing stops.; If you do not want CPR, please make this part of your Advance Directives.
I HAVE ADVANCE DIRECTIVES. WHERE DO I SEND THEM?
If you have completed Advance Directives, it is important for us to have a copy in your hospital and clinic records.; We can't honor your wishes if we don't know what they are!; Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center honors Advance Directives completed in other states, as long as they comply with Vermont law.
Your Advance Directives can be changed or updated at any time. This makes the old forms invalid and we will mark them as such in our records. We encourage you to review this document regularly. Advance Directives are placed in your chart and kept on file in Health Information Management. If you want to mail your Advance Directives to us, send them to:
Health Information Management
Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center
289 County Road
Windsor, VT 05089
CONFLICTING VIEW POINTS
If your doctor has a concern about respecting your wishes, you or those acting on your behalf may consider transferring your care to another doctor.; You may also ask to meet with Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Centers Ethics Committee.