Advance Directives
What happens if you become too sick to make your own decisions regarding your medical care? Without an advance directives document (Power of Attorney for Health Care) your family and doctor must make decisions for you without knowing your wishes. Remember that creating a clear document of your wishes is the best gift you can give your loved ones.
Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance and Ascension have collaborated with local health care providers to develop a clear, straightforward document which can be used to designate a Power of Attorney for Health Care which allows you to name a “patient advocate” to act for you and carry out your wishes for care in specific medical situations.
The approved advance directives document is now available and can be downloaded easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Get the Health Care You Want When You Cannot Express Your Wishes
Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance wants to be sure that you are treated with respect and dignity and that your wishes are honored in case you are ever unable to make or express your own health care decisions.
We recognize the importance of patient participation in healthcare decision-making, and are committed to working with patients, families or other authorized decision makers to honor their preferences regarding medically indicated care and treatment.
Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance promotes the Health Care Power of Attorney document. In that document a patient may express treatment preferences and designate an individual to make health care decisions for him or her in the event of decision-making incapacity. For patients and members of the community, we offer education, facilitate conversations, and provide assistance with completing the document.
What is an advance directive?
An advance directive is a legal document prepared in advance of a loss of decision-making capacity. It communicates to medical professionals and family members your desired medical treatments in the event of incapacitation and/or designates a specific person to make those decisions for you.
What is a power of attorney for health care?
A Power of Attorney for Health Care is a document that allows you to appoint a trusted person as your healthcare decision-maker (patient advocate) and to provide them directions to honor your wishes.
When does it become effective and how long does it last?
The document becomes effective when your doctor or another physician determines that you are incapacitated and cannot make your own decisions. It lasts indefinitely unless your wishes change or you cancel it.
Do I need a lawyer?
You do not need a lawyer to complete healthcare documents. However, if you wish to create a financial power of attorney, you will need to consult an attorney.
Who can serve as my healthcare agent?
Your healthcare agent should be someone of sound mind and at least 18 years of age. It is typically a family member or close friend. Your agent cannot be your physician or other healthcare provider.
Do I need witnesses?
Yes. Two witnesses who are at least 18 years old must sign the document. They cannot be your physician, a family member, or the person you designate as your agent.
Does it need to be renewed?
No, but it is a good idea to review your document periodically to make sure it still reflects your current wishes.
Can it be cancelled?
Yes. You can cancel your advance directive at any time, either verbally or in writing.
Do doctors have to follow my directives?
It is important to discuss your advance directive with your caregivers to ensure they understand your wishes and are able to honor them.
Who should receive copies?
You should provide copies to your physician, your designated agent, family members, close friends, your lawyer, and your clergy if applicable.
Find a Location Near You
Need Care Now?
MOSH Brookfield Ortho Walk-In Clinic
17000L W. Bluemound Road
Brookfield, WI 53005
MOSH Performance Center Ortho Walk-In Clinic
7095 S Ballpark Dr
Suite 100
Franklin, WI 53132