This packet enables you to generate two legal documents that protect your right to refuse medical treatment you do not want, or to request treatment you do want, in the event you lose the ability to make decisions yourself:
1. The Texas Medical Power of Attorney lets you name someone to make decisions about your medical care - including decisions about life support - if you can no longer speak for yourself. Your attending physician must certify in writing that you are unable to make health care decisions and file the certification in your medical record. The Medical Power of Attorney is especially useful because it appoints someone to speak for you any time you are unable to make your own medical decisions, not only at the end of life.
2. The Texas Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates is your state's living will. It lets you state your wishes about medical care in the event that you develop a terminal or irreversible condition and can no longer make your own medical decisions. The Directive becomes effective when your attending physician certifies in writing that you are in a terminal or irreversible condition. It is recommended that you complete both of these documents to best ensure that you receive the medical care you want when you can no longer speak for yourself.
