Advance Directive

An advance directive is a legal document, such as a living will or durable power of attorney, that is prepared in advance of when it will be needed that defines critical decisions about a person’s healthcare.

EAMC-Lanier ASC will always honor the intent of the document to the extent permitted by law and subject to EAMC-Lanier ASC limitations on the basis of conscience. EAMC-Lanier ASC performs elective procedures that generally enhance or improve the patient’s quality of life; therefore, in the event of a medical emergency, it is the policy of EAMC-Lanier ASC to always attempt to resuscitate a patient and transfer that patient to a hospital. This policy applies to all patients having a procedure at EAMC-Lanier ASC.

• Patients will be informed of their rights to formulate an advance directive and that they are not required to have an advance directive in order to receive treatment at this facility.
• It is our policy that if an adverse event occurs during your treatment, the medical team will initiate resuscitative or other stabilizing measures and transfer you to an acute care hospital for further evaluation. A copy of your advance directive or healthcare power of attorney will be sent with your medical records.
• A healthcare power of attorney will be honored.
• If a patient should provide his/her advance directive, a copy will be placed on the patient’s medical record and transferred with the patient should a hospital transfer be ordered by his/her physician.
• At all times, the patient or his/her representative will be able to obtain any information he/she needs to give informed consent before any treatment or procedure.

For information and forms regarding advance directives, please visit the Alabama Hospital Association.