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http://www.texmed.org/Template.aspx?id=64 Death Act: Directive to Physicians Path: Home : Legal_Information : Medical_Ethics Death Act: Directive to Physicians Keywords: End_of_Life_Care Guidelines for Signers Guidelines for Physicians Directive to Physicians and Family Members Directive Form for Persons Under 18 Years of Age Directive Form for Persons 18 Years of Age and Over Guidelines and Directives The Texas Health and Safety Code authorizes the use of a written Directive to Physicians ("DIRECTIVE") in accordance with the guidelines set out below. Printed and distributed courtesy of the Texas Medical Association Board of Councilors 401 West 15th Street, Austin, Texas 78701-1680 512/370-1341. September, 1999. Guidelines for Signers General Information If you are at least 18 years old, of sound mind, and acting on your own free will, you may sign a DIRECTIVE TO PHYSICIANS ("DIRECTIVE") concerning your own care in the presence of two qualified witnesses. The DIRECTIVE allows you to instruct your physician not to use artificial methods to extend the natural process of dying. Before signing the DIRECTIVE, you may ask advice from anyone you wish, including your attorney. If you sign the DIRECTIVE, you must tell your physician. Ask that it be made part of your medical record. If you have signed a written DIRECTIVE of which your doctor is unaware, inform your doctor of its existence. If you become physically or mentally unable to do so, another person may inform your physician. Witnesses The DIRECTIVE must be witnessed by two competent adults. At least one witness cannot be a person who: is related to you by blood or marriage; has a claim on your estate; has been designated by you to make a health care treatment decision on your behalf; your attending physician; is employed by your attending physician; is an employee of a health care facility in which you reside, if the employee is involved in providing direct patient care to you or is an officer, director, partner, or business office employee of the health care facility or of any parent organization of the health care facility. Full Article: http://www.texmed.org/Template.aspx?id=64


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