Protect Your Health and Wishes: The Must-Have Medical Documents

Episode Summary

In this episode of Off the Record, Kevin Rosenquist and attorney Rhett Burney discuss the crucial medical documents everyone should have in place to ensure healthcare wishes are respected. They explore the differences between healthcare power of attorney, living wills, and DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) orders. Rhett breaks down how these documents can prevent family conflict during difficult health crises and provide clarity about end-of-life decisions. He also shares practical advice on how to make sure the right people are in charge of your healthcare decisions and how to update or revoke these documents as life circumstances change.

 

Timestamps:

[00:00-00:30] Introduction to the episode and discussion about healthcare documents.

[00:32-01:05] Rhett discusses the importance of planning for health crises and end-of-life decisions.

[01:05-02:46] The role of healthcare power of attorney in making tough decisions for loved ones.

[02:46-03:41] Importance of preparing ahead and taking control over end-of-life decisions.

[03:41-04:47] Explanation of the difference between living wills and healthcare powers of attorney.

[04:47-05:53] Why healthcare power of attorney is generally preferred over a living will.

[05:53-06:33] Discussion of when a living will might make sense and why both may not be necessary.

[06:33-07:00] Clarifying the role of a living will, including end-of-life decisions.

[07:00-08:11] The Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order and when it might be relevant in an estate plan.

[08:11-09:32] The role of a DNR vs. a living will in preventing resuscitation.

[09:32-10:58] Who makes the final decision without a healthcare power of attorney or living will.

[10:58-12:25] Explaining the adult healthcare consent act and how hospitals handle disputes over life support.

[12:25-13:10] How having the right documents can ease the decision-making process for families.

[13:10-14:05] Updating or revoking healthcare documents if preferences change.

[14:05-15:17] Tips for getting started with healthcare planning, including who to trust for decisions.

[15:17-15:34] Closing remarks and reminder to visit Rhett's website and subscribe to the podcast.

 

About The Show

Off the Record is a legal podcast hosted by Kevin Rosenquist and attorney Rhett Burney, where they delve into essential legal topics, focusing on healthcare and estate planning. In this episode, they discuss the critical medical documents everyone should have, such as healthcare power of attorney, living wills, and Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders. Rhett explains the importance of these documents in ensuring that healthcare wishes are honored during a crisis and how they can prevent family conflict. They also offer practical advice on how to choose the right people to make healthcare decisions and when to update or revoke these documents as life circumstances change.