Advance Directives

Policy on Advance Directives:
Every adult has the right to an advance directive as a means of voicing his or her wishes for care and treatment at the end of life. Florida law requires that a patient's end-of-life directions, if clearly expressed, should be followed when the person does not have a reasonable medical probability of recovery, has a terminal condition, has an end stage condition or is in a persistent vegetative state.

In Florida there are three kinds of advance directive documents:

• Living Will
• Designated health care surrogate
• Power of Attorney for health care

In keeping with the mission and values of the BayCare Health System we believe that each person should be treated with dignity and respect as they pursue the goals of healing, health maintenance and compassionate care. Advance Directive forms are available at the center upon request or by visiting our website at: mpmhealth.com/advancedirectives

Surgery Center Policy on Advance Directives:
Because at the surgery center we expect you to recover and be discharged to home after a one-day procedure, the center's policy is to provide resuscitation. Thus, the hospital may be a better choice for care should you wish a "no resuscitation" decision.