National Healthcare Decisions Day (April 16)

Today (April 16, 2008) is “National Healthcare Decisions Day”, a collaborative effort of national, state and community organizations committed to ensuring that all adults with decision-making capacity in the United States have the information and opportunity to properly communicate and document their healthcare decisions.

My law partner, Sam Fox, who serves on the West Virginia State Bar's Law & Medicine Committee sent out an email a few weeks ago asking lawyers in West Virginia to participate in promoting this important initiative. To do my part I thought I would blog some information.

Frist, check out the resources page on the NHDD website for more information on advanced directives and advanced care planning.

Second, for more information on West Virginia advanced directives go to the WV State Bar's resource page and the West Virginia Center for End of Life Care which includes a variety of downloadable forms and information.

Third, today there are a number of businesses and organizations around the state who will be offering assistance in completing advanced directives. Check here for a complete list of locations.

As always I would also recommend that you consult your attorney in the process.