Texas Directive to Physicians: Living Will for Life Support

A Texas Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates, commonly known as a “Living Will,” (Authorized under Texas Health and Safety Code Section 166) outlines medical treatment preferences if you are terminally ill or incapacitated.

Purpose of a Texas Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates

Communicate End-of-Life Wishes:

Specify medical treatments you want or don’t want in terminal or irreversible conditions.

Guide Healthcare Providers:

Provide clear instructions to ensure your medical care aligns with your values and desires.

Reduce Family Burden:

Alleviate emotional burden on family by clearly stating your medical wishes.

Legal Protection:

Ensure healthcare providers and family follow your documented wishes, reducing legal disputes.

Key Components of a Texas Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates

Principal’s Preferences:

Indicate if you want to receive or withhold specific medical treatments in critical conditions.

Treatment Scenarios:

Include scenarios like life support, mechanical ventilation, dialysis, and artificial nutrition.

Designation of Surrogates:

Allow designation of a surrogate decision-maker to carry out your wishes if you can’t communicate.

Revocation and Modification:

Include provisions to revoke or modify instructions anytime, as long as you are competent.

Importance of a Texas Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates

Clarity and Control:

Ensure your healthcare decisions are respected, providing clarity and control over your medical care.

Peace of Mind:

Documenting your preferences ensures they will be followed, giving peace of mind to you and loved ones.

Reduction of Conflict:

Prevent conflicts among family and healthcare providers by providing clear, legally recognized wishes.

Conclusion

A Texas Directive to Physicians ensures your end-of-life medical care preferences are understood and honored. It provides clear guidance to healthcare providers and loved ones, navigating the complexities of medical decision-making during critical times. Documenting your wishes gives confidence that your values will be respected, even if you can’t communicate them directly.

Our Texan Estate Plan includes a Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates.