Kansas Health Ethics, Inc. wants you to be informed about your rights and responsibilities as a patient and be prepared for a future time when because of a serious illness or accident, you may no longer be able to make or communicate your healthcare decisions.  An Advance Directive is a way for you to specify your wishes about health care treatment options.  It allows you to have control over healthcare decisions when you can no longer speak for yourself.  There are several directives recognized by the state of Kansas and you may choose to sign none, one or all of these documents.

The forms included below are legal forms in Kansas. You may print a copy for your personal use. If you prefer, you may request a printed copy from our office.

Durable Power of Attorney For Healthcare Decisions
Living Will
Do Not Resuscitate Directive

     You do not need a lawyer to fill out these legal documents, but you must make sure they are witnessed or notarized.  If you sign an advance directive, make at least five copies and give them to your healthcare agent and alternate agents, your doctor, your lawyer, your pastor and anyone else who may be involved with your healthcare.  Make sure your agent, family and friends know where your directives are kept.  Keep your originals in a safe place, but keep one copy where it is easy to find.  It is your job - not your doctor's - to have a copy ready whenever it is needed.  Take a copy with you when you go into a hospital or nursing home.

Helpful Information:

Choosing an Agent
Life Sustaining Treatments
Medically Assisted Nutrition and Hydration
Advance Care Planning Clinic

The American Bar Association has prepared a Tool Kit for Health Care Advance Planning which includes several self-help worksheets, suggestions, and resources.  To view the tool kit, CLICK HERE.