What does AHD mean in HEALTHCARE

An Advance Health Directive (AHD) is a legal document that allows someone to make decisions about their future health care. In this document, you can name someone else to make decisions on your behalf in case you become unable to do so or you can outline specific instructions for your health care if certain conditions arise.

An AHD should be considered when important medical decisions may need to be made on your behalf by someone else in the future. It’s important to think about the types of medical treatments and end-of-life care you would like to avoid, as well as which treatments you may want and who you would like to make these decisions for you if needed.

Any adult over 18 years old who has mental capacity can create an AHD. You need two witnesses for the document who must also sign it.

Yes, an AHD is legally binding and must be followed by health care professionals unless overridden by court order or another legally valid document such as a Last Will and Testament or Power of Attorney.

No, AHDs vary from state to state and country to country depending on each jurisdiction's laws. Be sure to check your local laws before creating one.

An AHD will remain in effect until it is revoked or amended, except when changes are necessary due to new advances in medical technology or other changes in applicable law.

Yes, you can change your AHD at any time as long as you have mental capacity and are providing informed consent. You must complete the appropriate forms and have them witnessed as stated by law.

Yes, once a valid and current AHD has been created, it is legally binding so doctors must follow it unless overridden by court order or another legally valid document such as a Last Will and Testament or Power of Attorney.

Yes, some matters are not covered under an advance directive such as finance decisions or parenting arrangements. For these issues a Power of Attorney may be more suitable.

:If you do not have a valid advance directive then any medical decisions made on your behalf will fall under common law which looks at what would be in your best interests based on the medical circumstances at hand.

:If you wish to revoke an existing advance directive then all parts of the document that list your wishes must be destroyed along with any copies that may exist e.g., photocopies with family members etc.