JIJIJI#2
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
St. Johns River State College *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
2723C
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
1
Uploaded by ProfessorRabbit3417
HIM 2723C
PROMPT:
John has recently learned about advance directives in a healthcare legal aspects course he has
taken. The information he has obtained, along with his knowledge of the Terri Schiavo case
(2005) has convinced him of the benefits of executing an advance directive if he were to
become incompetent. John is aware that his grandparents may not be informed about the
purpose and function of advance directives, which he now feels are important for them to
consider. What should John consider in deciding what type of advance directive is best for him?
ANSWER:
John will need to consider many different things when choosing his advance directive plans, or helping
his grandparents choose theirs. One of the most important elements to consider is his own values and
religious beliefs. Some religions have staunch rules governing these types of end-of-life questions, and
John needs to consider those if he wants to be true to his personal beliefs. His own personal values
regarding his morality and stance on life and death also require much thought and consideration when
choosing how to plan his AD. John needs to consider his stance on organ donation as well, because in an
end-of-life situation the physicians and John’s family members will need to know if he will be donating
his organs before his time is up.
John also will need to consider the types of advance directives. There are two main types, a
living will and a durable power of attorney for healthcare. A living will specifies his personal wishes
should he become incapacitated, and a power of attorney designates someone else to make those
choices for him should he be unable to. To make either of these documents John needs to think about
specific medical scenarios and what he wants to happen in those cases. For a POA, John needs to be sure
his choice of designee understands his wishes and is willing to make hard choices in the event he is
unable to. For a living will, John will need to decide what will happen in specific circumstances such as a
coma with brain death.
John also needs to know the legal requirements of the state he is in. It is always best to have a
local attorney handle these matters, because they already know all the laws that will affect an advance
directive’s legality. John needs to ensure that neither of these documents can be contested by other
family members if they disagree on his treatment choices. John needs to thoroughly discuss his wishes
with his family members and his personal physicians so there is no confusion.
John also needs to be sure to update his documents periodically and if his circumstances or
wishes were to change. Copies of these documents should be stored in multiple easy-to-access places,
and with his attorney and healthcare provider. John should also ensure that it is listed in his medical
record that he has an active AD or POA.
Advance directives: Florida Medical Center. (n.d.). https://www.floridamedctr.org/advance-
directives#:~:text=There%20are%20four%20types%20of%20advance%20directives%20recognized,
%28DNR%29%204%20Declaration%20for%20Mental%20Health%20Treatment%20%28DMHT%29
Discover more documents: Sign up today!
Unlock a world of knowledge! Explore tailored content for a richer learning experience. Here's what you'll get:
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help