What is advance care planning?
You have the right to choose the medical care and treatments you want to receive. When you create an advance directive, you are writing your instructions in case something causes you to be unable to speak for yourself. This can include naming those who have your permission to speak for you—or those who do not.
While an advance directive is not required, keep in mind that if you become unable to make your own health care choices, Indiana law prioritizes who can make those decisions for you: first a legally appointed representative, then a spouse, then an adult child, then a parent, then an adult sibling, then a grandparent and so on.
Other advance directive choices to consider are Organ and Tissue donation or having a Health Care Representative to name a few.
Regardless of whether you choose to create an advance directive, you should always talk with your doctors and family members to make sure your wishes are known.
Need help with advance care planning? IU Student Legal Services provides free, confidential legal advice and services for IU Bloomington students.
Learn more at the Advance Directives Resource Center