At Payson Regional Medical Center, we want our patients to understand their rights to make medical treatment decisions.  The hospital has formal policies to ensure that your wishes about treatment will be followed.  Arizona law gives you the ability to insure that your healthcare wishes are known and considered if you become unable to make these decisions for yourself.

The following are answers to some commonly asked questions about Advance Directives.

What is an Advance Directive?

An Advance Directive is the best way to make sure that your healthcare wishes are known and considered if for any reason you are unable to speak for yourself.  By completing a form called an "Advance Directive," Arizona law allows you to do either or both of the following: 1. You may appoint another person to be your healthcare "Agent."  This person will have legal authority to make decisions about your medical care if you become unable to make these decisions for yourself. 2. You may write down your healthcare wishes in the Advance Directive form - for example, a decision to not receive treatment that only prolongs the dying process if you are terminally ill.  Your doctor and your agent must follow your lawful instructions. 

Is an Advance Directive the same as a Living Will?

The Advance Directive is now the legally recognized format for a living will in Arizona.  It replaces the previous document known as a Living Will and other documents previously used.

Where can I get an Advance Directive form and more information?

Advance Directive forms and information packets are available at all Registration Desks.  They are provided at no cost to you.  We encourage you to discuss your Advance Directive decision with your physician and your family members PRIOR to the execution of this document.