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If the previous list of decision makers does not meet your need in the event you are unable to speak for yourself, you may want to name a friend or a specific person to make medical decisions if you can no longer do so. Ask a member of the team about completing an Advance Directive. This is a legal document that can be completed for free of charge while in the hospital. The document would allow you to choose not only who you would want to make decisions for you (aka Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare) but can also state your wishes about life prolonging treatments (aka Living will). Once completed, the document can be scanned into the electronic medical record (EMR). GEORGIA ADVANCE DIRECTIVE FOR HEALTH CARE (atriumhealth.org)
A POLST is a portable physician order that outlines your code status for settings outside of the hospital, such as your own home or a nursing home. It informs fellow healthcare members of your preferences regarding CPR, life support, hospitalization, IV fluids, nutrition and hydration. Physician Orders For Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) | Georgia Department of Public Health