IN THE PROFESSION
Georgia ' s Advance Directive for
Healthcare
How to Prepare for the Unexpected During a Health Crisis .
MARK BRANDENBURG The Brandenburg Estate Planning Law Firm mark @ mylifetimelawyer . com
If there is anything we have learned this year , it ' s that health crises are unpredictable . The same can be said about your personal health . Whether by accident or illness , your time could be up sooner than you expect . During this period of hospitalizations , ventilators , and restricted access , how do you minimize suffering caused by unexpected health events ? With an advance directive !
The Advance Directive for Health Care Act was passed into law in 2007 by the Georgia General Assembly . The Act includes a form meant to encourage more Georgians to voluntarily execute advance directives . Anyone of sound mind and at least 18 years of age can complete the form on their own or preferably under the guidance of an attorney .
The form is divided into three main parts : ( 1 ) Part One appoints an agent to carry out health care decisions , historically known as the " power of attorney for health care ;" ( 2 ) Part Two provides for withholding or withdrawing life support and accepting or refusing nutrition and / or hydration , historically known as the " living will ;" and ( 3 ) Part Three nominates a person as guardian if a court determines that a guardian is necessary . Let ' s break down the parts a bit further below .
26 August / September 2020