3. COMMUNICATION.

It is not enough that you educate yourself and put your desires in writing. You must communicate your wishes to your doctors and loved ones.

We recommend that you discuss these documents with your doctors. If for any reason your doctors would be uncomfortable following your wishes it important for you know that today as opposed to when a medical emergency occurs. Furthermore you can discuss any other questions or concerns they may have.

In addition, we would suggest that you give your doctors a copy of your health care documents. If you have more than one doctor, ask each one if he or she wants a copy. Many states require that upon receipt of your health care documents, your doctor must make them a part of your permanent medical records. If you should ever change doctors and have your medical records forwarded to the new doctor, then he or she will automatically have a copy of your health care documents.

Finally we would urge you to periodically discuss these documents with your physicians to ensure that they continue to reflect your desires.

In addition to your doctors, you should discuss these documents and your desires with your loved ones. Many families have been torn apart simply because the patient failed to communicate his or her desires with them. During these difficult periods of time, emotions often run high as each family member struggles with competing thoughts of losing you and carrying out your wishes. In the absence of communication, each family member is left to making assumptions (right or wrong) about your wishes. Informed families will often unite rather than divide if they all know and respect your wishes.

It is best to have this discussion with those individuals who are closest to you, particularly your spouse and children. At a minimum you should talk to your initial and successor health care agents whom you have appointed in your Health Care Power of Attorney. If the need arises for your Agent to make life-terminating decisions, your Agent will know your desires.

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