Advance Directives

Advance directives training includes the following information and can be viewed by clicking on each part.

Class Materials:
Advanced Directives Overview (pdf)

Advance directive training

Welcome - Karen Winkowski, administrator, Harford County Office on Aging
Speaker: April C. Ishak, Esq., Stark & Keenan, PA

Part 1: Advance directive overview
Accommodating patient preferences while avoiding pitfalls

  • What is an advance directive?
  • Examples of advance directives
  • Requirements for a written advance directive
  • Requirements for an oral advance directive

Part 2: How does an advance directive work?

  • Out-of-state advance directives
  • When does an advance directive become effective?
  • Where does an advance directive terminate?
  • Who should have an advance directive?
  • Who should have a copy of the advance directive?

Part 3: Advance directive options

  • Living wills
  • Conditions
  • Terminal condition
  • Persistent vegetative state
  • End-stage condition
  • Three options for each condition
  • Goal of advance directive and living will
  • Healthcare agent’s authority
  • What happens if a patient has no advance directive?

Part 4: Other considerations

  • Potential conflicts
  • Pre-existing disability
  • Medically ineffective treatment
  • How do DNR (do not resuscitate) and MOLST (medical order for life sustaining treatment) forms affect advance directives?
  • MOLST
  • Resolving conflicts and avoiding problems
  • Questions and answers
  • Conclusion