Advance directives are legal documents used only in situations where you are unable to speak for yourself. In Michigan, two physicians, or one physician and one clinical psychologist, must both agree you are unable to make your own health care decisions before an advance directive would apply.

This legal document tells health care professionals you do not want lifesaving measures taken if your heart stops beating or you stop breathing. Your physician must fill out this form with you.

This legal document names your patient advocate(s) (see below). In Michigan, you may name up to three patient advocates in a DPOAH document: a primary advocate and up to two additional advocates, who could then step in if your primary advocate is unavailable in an emergency.

Download our DPOAH form

This legal document outlines your preferences for care. It captures what’s most important to you and allows you to express any specific wishes you may have, such as a desire to receive or decline cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or ventilator support.

This 1- or 2-page medical order is usually used in cases of serious advanced illness or frailty. It outlines your wished-for care in a crisis. It may include instructions regarding CPR, critical care and other wanted care. Your physician must fill out this form with you.

A patient advocate is someone you trust to make medical decisions for you in situations where you are unable to make those decisions for yourself (see definition for “advance directives” above). Your patient advocate may need to make decisions about:

• Medical care and services, such as tests, medications, and surgery
• Discontinuing treatment based on your instructions and/or your best interests
• Releasing your medical records
• Which organizations and health care professionals should provide care
• Which living situation would be best for you, such as long-term care and rehab

Choosing a patient advocate is important. In Michigan, a patient advocate must be:

• 18 years old or older
• Willing to take on the role and responsibilities of medical decision-maker
• Able to be contacted when you need them
• Someone who cares for you and your well-being
• Able to make decisions in stressful situations