At Robbins Watson Solicitors, we understand the importance of planning for the unexpected. An Advance Health Directive (AHD) is a vital legal document that ensures your medical treatment preferences are known and respected if you’re unable to make decisions yourself.
What Is an Advance Health Directive?
An Advance Health Directive is a formal way to give instructions about your future health care. It comes into effect only if you lose the capacity to make your own decisions. In Queensland, an AHD allows you to:
- Specify the medical treatment or health care you would like in the event that you cannot make decisions for yourself.
- Appoint someone you trust (an attorney) to make decisions about health care on your behalf.
- Include relevant information about yourself that health professionals should know, such as special health conditions, allergies to medications, and religious, spiritual, or cultural beliefs that could affect your care.
Why Create an Advance Health Directive?
Life is unpredictable. An accident or illness could render you incapable of making decisions about your health care. Without an Advance Health Directive, your loved ones may face legal hurdles to make decisions on your behalf. By creating an Advance Health Directive, you:
- Ensure your health care preferences are known and respected.
- Reduce the burden on your family during difficult times.
- Avoid potential conflicts or delays in decision-making.
How to Make an Advance Health Directive
To make an Advance Health Directive in Queensland, you must:
- Be over 18 years of age.
- Have the capacity to understand the nature and effect of the directive.
- Make the directive freely and voluntarily.
The process involves:
- Discussing your current health, the benefits and risks of treatment, and potential outcomes with your doctor.
- Having your doctor complete and sign a certificate stating that you appeared to have the capacity to make the directive.
- Signing the directive in the presence of an eligible witness, such as a justice of the peace, commissioner for declarations, notary public, or lawyer.
Take the Next Step
Planning ahead with an Advance Health Directive is a proactive way to protect your interests and those of your loved ones. Our experienced team is here to guide you through the process with clarity and compassion.
Contact us today to get started:
- Call us on 07 5576 9999
- Book an appointment online by clicking here
Fill out our online enquiry form by clicking here