The Medical Directive: You’re Allowed To Change Your Mind

Imagine you created a medical directive that includes a living will, Durable Power of Attorney (DPA) for health care, Do Not Resuscitate orders (DNR) and perhaps a few other instructions…

The question I get asked most often once these documents (especially the medical directive) are completed is… what if I want to change my mind?

The answer is simple.

As long as you are mentally competent, meaning you are not suffering from Alzheimer’s, you’re not in a coma or in a drug induced state, you can change your mind and change your medical directive as you wish.

You can change your healthcare instructions at any time, even while in the hospital. Let your doctor know your wishes. Be sure any updates are properly signed and notarized according to your state’s laws. Also, inform your family and care team so everyone understands the changes.

Over time, circumstances can change. The person you named as your durable power of attorney may become unavailable due to illness, death, or relocation. If your documents are not updated, you may need to choose someone new, especially during a medical event.

You may also reconsider decisions like a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order. A DNR directs hospital staff not to perform life-saving measures if your heart stops. It’s important to review these choices and ensure they reflect your current wishes.

If you review your Advance Directives on an annual basis, you may not be in a position to have to change it if you are in the hospital.

Even if you’ve already created a medical directive, you can change it at any time—so long as you remain mentally competent. These documents only become fixed when you no longer have the capacity to update them.

If you haven’t reviewed your advance directive recently, now is a good time. If updates are needed, don’t wait. Contact our office and we’ll help you create a new directive or make the necessary changes.

Looking to find an experienced estate lawyer in the Georgia area who is skilled in asset protection and estate plan preparation? Shannon Pawley is an attorney in Georgia with expertise in estate planning and asset protection. Shannon can provide assistance with creating an estate plan to include making a will and how to establish a trust properly. If you have questions about asset protection or questions about making an estate plan, reach out to Shannon and she will be glad to help answer all the estate planning questions you might have!