Advanced Medical Directives for 20-Year-Olds: Nominating Parents as Health Care Agents

When it comes to healthcare decision-making, most young adults in their 20s may not have considered the need for advanced medical directives. However, unforeseen circumstances and accidents can occur at any age. It is crucial for young individuals to plan for their future by establishing an advanced medical directive, especially one that designates their parents as nominated health care agents. This article aims to shed light on the significance of such directives and why involving parents in this capacity can provide invaluable support and peace of mind. This development was sparked by a Florida parent whose 20 year old was about to undergo a medical procedure, and she had the good sense to work with her daughter and Form America to get an advance medical directive in place. In 20 minutes, we had her protected with her parents nominated as her Health Care Agents. It cost them a flat rate of $99, giving them a self proving nomination of a health care agent (the parent) for the patient (the daughter). Should the procedure not have gone well, the parent would be included in the decision making on behalf of the daughter were she to be incapacitated with the legal authority to intercede.

Understanding Advanced Medical Directives

Advanced medical directives are legal documents that allow individuals to communicate their healthcare wishes and appoint someone they trust to make medical decisions on their behalf in the event they become incapacitated or unable to communicate. These directives typically include a living will and a healthcare power of attorney.

Living will: A living will outlines an individual's preferences for medical treatments, resuscitation, end-of-life care, and other important medical decisions. It ensures that healthcare professionals and family members understand and respect their wishes.

Healthcare power of attorney: The healthcare power of attorney, also known as a healthcare proxy or agent, designates a person who will make healthcare decisions on behalf of the individual, according to their wishes and best interests. Without this in place, medical practitioners are not obligated to include parents or immediate family in decision making if a child is technically an adult, over the age of 18.

The Importance of Advanced Medical Directives for 20-Year-Olds

Unforeseen Medical Emergencies: While it is easy to assume that serious medical situations are unlikely to happen in one's 20s, accidents and unexpected illnesses can occur at any age. Having an advanced medical directive allows young adults to dictate their preferences for medical treatment, ensuring that their values and wishes are respected, even if they cannot advocate for themselves.

Empowerment and Autonomy: By establishing an advanced medical directive, 20-year-olds assert their autonomy and retain control over their medical care. This document enables individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare and end-of-life preferences, providing them with a sense of empowerment.

Clear Communication of Wishes: The nomination of parents as health care agents ensures that individuals' preferences are accurately communicated to healthcare providers. Parents, who are typically deeply familiar with their children's values, beliefs, and medical history, can act as effective advocates for their children's healthcare needs in critical situations. It's a legally binding document giving parents the right to intercede at the direction of their children in the event that the children are incapacitated and cannot advocate for themselves.

Benefits of Involving Parents as Nominated Health Care Agents

Trust and Familiarity: Young adults often rely on their parents for guidance and support. Nominating parents as health care agents reinforces the trust and familiarity necessary for parents to make difficult healthcare decisions on behalf of their child in the worst of circumstances.

Knowledge of Medical History: Parents generally possess an intimate understanding of their child's medical history, including allergies, pre-existing conditions, and previous treatments. This familiarity enables them to make more informed healthcare decisions if their child becomes incapacitated.

Emotional Support: In times of medical crisis, emotional support is crucial. Parents, as nominated health care agents, can provide the much-needed emotional stability and comfort that only a trusted family member can offer.

While it may seem premature for 20-year-olds to consider advanced medical directives, the unpredictability of life makes planning for the unexpected a prudent decision. By establishing an advanced medical directive and nominating parents as health care agents, young adults ensure that their medical preferences are honored, their autonomy is respected, and they have a trusted advocate in crucial healthcare decisions. Embracing this proactive approach not only empowers young individuals but also provides peace of mind to both them and their parents in the face of unforeseen medical circumstances.

Form America LLC is the pioneer of this application with easy, flat rate forms for all 50 States that are legally binding on behalf of doctors, hospitals and medical facilities nationwide. Visit www.formamerica.com for additional information or to schedule your 20 minute flat rate form completion.