2. Advance Directive. This is a document in which you express your healthcare wishes and includes your instructions for what medical treatment you desire to occur under different circumstances, including end of life instructions. One of the issues now in the current COVID-19 environment is whether your existing documents expressly prohibit intubation. During the current coronavirus environment, intubation may be necessary for you to survive a bout with the virus. This should be distinguished from a statement that you may not want intubation if in a persistent vegetative state or terminally ill with a short time to live. Many standard documents and forms include an absolute prohibition of intubation and could prove to be a death sentence if you or a loved one contracts coronavirus.
Contact me for assistance with the preparation or review of this important document.