Advance Directives

There may come a time when you will be unable to make medical care decisions for yourself. That’s why it’s important to discuss your feelings and beliefs with your loved ones — before critical medical decisions need to be made. To make sure that your wishes are known, it’s best to complete an advance directive.

Submit Your Documents

Complete and Submit Your Advance Directive Documents 

Advance directives are legal documents that communicate your wishes regarding medical care if you become unable to make decisions for yourself. They provide guidance to your loved ones and healthcare providers, ensuring that your preferences are respected even if you are unable to voice them. 

Add Documents to Your Southern NH Health Medical Record

Share your documents with us by bringing them to any of your scheduled appointments or upload your documents to MyChart using “Menu” and “End-of-Life Planning”. 

There are two main types of advance directives: 

  • Living Will: This document specifies the types of medical treatment you would or would not want to receive if you are terminally ill or permanently unconscious. For example, you can outline your preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments, such as mechanical ventilation or feeding tubes. 
  • Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare (Healthcare Agent) (DPOAH): This document names a trusted individual to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. This person, known as your healthcare agent, acts based on your expressed wishes or their understanding of what you would want. The DPOAH must be activated by a medical provider (MD, Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner) and does not take effect while you are deemed competent to make your own decisions. Note this is different than a Durable Power of Attorney for legal and financial matters.  

In addition, you may designate a Patient Authorized Liaison (PAL) with Southern NH Health. This person is usually the Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare. It is a person who you designate to take limited actions on your behalf, including scheduling and canceling appointments, checking on test results and treatment plans, requesting refills, among others. This person may be your DPOAH. Southern NH Health can provide a PAL form to fill out when visiting any of our medical offices. 

Why Are Advance Directives Important?

Advance directives help in many ways, including: 

  • Ensuring Your Wishes Are Honored: Advance directives confirm your healthcare preferences, helping to ensure that the medical care you receive aligns with your values and beliefs. 
  • Reduces Stress for Loved Ones: Making difficult decisions during a medical crisis can be emotionally overwhelming for your family. Advance directives alleviate this burden by providing clear instructions about your wishes. 
  • Facilitates Communication: Having advance directives opens the door for meaningful conversations with your loved ones and healthcare providers about your priorities and expectations for care. 
  • Provides Empowerment and Control: By completing advance directives, you take an active role in planning your healthcare, even for unforeseen circumstances. 

How to Get Started 

If you would like to create advance directives, here are some steps to consider: 

  • Reflect on Your Wishes: Think about your values, beliefs, and what matters most to you in terms of medical care. 
  • Talk to Your Loved Ones: Discuss your preferences with family members or close friends to ensure they understand your wishes. 
  • Consult with a Healthcare Professional: Your doctor can help answer any questions and provide guidance on medical decisions. 
  • Complete the Documents: You can work with an attorney or use state-specific forms to create your advance directives. Share these with your family members, including your DPOAH. You may access these forms from the Foundation for Healthy Communities at this link: Advance Directives - FHC. 
  • Add Documents to Your Southern NH Health Medical Record: Share your documents with us through MyChart or bring them to any of your scheduled appointments. To upload them in MyChart, go to “Menu” and scroll down to “End-of-Life Planning” to add documents.