Advance Directive For Mental Health Care Page 11
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13Yes.
A patient advocate can resign at any time.
If so, your named
successor would become patient advocate should you become unable to give
informed consent.
What if there is a dispute when my patient advocate is making decisions for
me?
If an interested person disputes whether the patient advocate is acting in
your best interests, or has the authority to act in your behalf, he or she may
petition the local probate court in writing to resolve the dispute.
What if I regain the ability to give informed consent in mental health
decisions?
The powers of your patient advocate stop during the time you are able to
give informed consent.
In general, what should I do before completing an advance directive?
Take your time - these are difficult decisions. Think about what treatment
you would like under various circumstances in the future. Consider whom you
might choose as your patient advocate, and make sure that person is willing to
serve.
Should I also talk with a mental health professional?
Yes! Bring the subject up. Have a discussion about the benefits and
drawbacks of various types of treatment. Express at least your general wishes
and make sure the health care professional is comfortable with carrying them out.
What should I do with an advance directive after it is signed?
Give the original durable power of attorney for health care to your patient
advocate (or at least make sure she or he knows where it is). Give a copy to your
mental health professional and keep a copy yourself. Let people know whom you
have chosen as your patient advocate.
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