Making decisions about medical care is never easy, especially during times of crisis. A healthcare directive, sometimes called an advance directive, allows you to put your wishes in writing before you are unable to speak for yourself. In Tennessee, these documents are an important part of estate planning and can bring peace of mind to you and your family.
What Is a Healthcare Directive?
A healthcare directive is a legal document that states your preferences for medical treatment if you cannot make or communicate decisions. It can include instructions about life-sustaining measures, organ donation, and pain management. A directive also allows you to appoint a trusted person known as a healthcare agent to make decisions on your behalf if you are incapacitated.
Why Healthcare Directives Matter
Without a healthcare directive, your loved ones may be left guessing about your wishes in a medical emergency. This uncertainty can lead to family conflict, delays in care, or treatments you might not have chosen for yourself. By creating a directive, you maintain control over your healthcare decisions while easing the burden on your family.
Creating a Directive in Tennessee
In Tennessee, healthcare directives must meet specific legal requirements to be valid. The document should:
- Clearly outline your medical treatment preferences.
- Designate a healthcare agent if you choose to appoint one.
- Be signed and witnessed according to Tennessee law.
You may update or revoke your directive at any time as long as you are capable of making your own decisions.
Common Situations Addressed in Directives
Healthcare directives often cover:
- Use of ventilators or feeding tubes.
- Do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders.
- Pain relief or comfort care preferences.
- Organ and tissue donation.
How Champagne Law Firm Can Help
At Champagne Law Firm, with offices in Sevierville, Nashville, and Rogersville, we help clients across Tennessee prepare healthcare directives as part of a broader estate plan. We ensure the documents meet state requirements, reflect your wishes, and coordinate with other planning tools like wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.
Taking the Next Step
Planning for the unexpected is one of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones. A healthcare directive ensures your voice is heard, even when you cannot speak.
Call Champagne Law Firm at 865-228-8080 or contact us online to schedule a consultation about healthcare directives and estate planning in Tennessee.
