Legal documents express your medical preferences to healthcare providers if you become seriously ill.
Do your loved ones and health care team members know what kinds of treatments you'd prefer if you are seriously ill? It's important for you to talk with your family and healthcare professionals about your medical preferences. This is called advance care planning.
As a patient, you have the right to make your own healthcare decisions, guide your medical treatment should you be unable to speak for yourself. We’ve included the forms you will want to review with your loved ones before you come to the hospital about your medical preferences.
Why This is Important
Your family members won't have to guess or make hard choices about your healthcare if your situation or condition prevents you from communicating your wishes. St. Vincent’s and your physicians will honor any of these documents that you provide us with. They will become part of your health record.
The Connecticut Attorney General booklet, “Your Rights To Make Healthcare Decisions,” can help you navigate your legal rights and decide what medical treatment choices you desire if you become unable to express your wishes. Visit ct.gov to download the booklet.
How We Can Help
In addition to the booklet provided by the Attorney General, we’ve included the documents below should you wish to file your health care directives with the hospital.
If you are interested in discussing your options or have questions, please call to speak with one of St. Vincent’s social workers at 203.576.5608.
Advance Health Care Planning Forms
Advance Directives: Advance directives are legal documents designed to inform your loved ones and healthcare providers about your medical preferences should you become seriously ill.
Living Will/Health Care Instructions: A living will lets you state your wishes about medical care, or choose another person(s) to make medical decisions for you if you lose the ability to do so.
Health Care/Power of Attorney: A health care power of attorney lets you name a person to make health care decisions for you if you become unable to decide for yourself.
Additional Advanced Planning Forms