This form is provided in the Texas Health and Safety Code and is designed to help you communicate your wishes about medical treatment at some time in the future when you are unable to make your wishes known because of illness or injury. A competent adult may at any time execute a written directive. The directive must be signed by the principal in the presence of two witnesses (who must themselves sign the document). A declarant may include directions in a directive other than those provided in the statutes and may designate a person to make a treatment decision for the declarant in the event the declarant becomes incompetent or otherwise mentally or physically incapable of communication.
The Houston Texas Statutory Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates includes Living Will provisions that are aimed at helping individuals maintain control over their medical treatment decisions in the event they become incapacitated and unable to communicate their wishes. This legal document, also known as an Advance Directive, allows individuals to make healthcare choices in advance, ensuring that their personal values and preferences are respected. The living will provisions contained within the Houston Texas Statutory Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates include several important components. These provisions generally outline specific medical treatments or procedures that the individual wishes to refuse or accept under certain circumstances. Commonly addressed medical interventions include CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), artificial ventilation, artificial nutrition and hydration, dialysis, surgical procedures, and administration of medications. The Houston Texas Statutory Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates recognizes that individuals have different medical and personal considerations, and allows for variations in living will provision based on the individual's circumstances. These variations may include different types of directives such as: 1. General Directive: This type of directive states the individual's overall wishes regarding treatment options without specifying particular medical procedures. It allows individuals to express their preferences in broad terms, leaving the specific decisions to their designated healthcare agent or surrogate. 2. Specific Directive: In contrast to the general directive, this type of directive provides explicit instructions about specific medical treatments or procedures that the individual wishes to accept or refuse. It may include detailed guidelines about the use of life-sustaining measures, pain management, and end-of-life care. 3. Combination Directive: This type of directive combines elements of both the general and specific directives. It allows individuals to provide general guidelines while also specifying their preferences for particular medical interventions or circumstances. 4. Medical Power of Attorney: This provision allows individuals to appoint a trusted person, known as a healthcare agent or surrogate, who will make medical decisions on their behalf in case they become incapacitated. This agent is entrusted with ensuring that the individual's wishes, as outlined in the living will provisions or through personal knowledge of the person's values, are respected. It is essential for individuals to consult with their physician, attorney, or other qualified professionals to understand and complete the Houston Texas Statutory Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates, ensuring that their living will provisions accurately reflect their preferences and adhere to the specific requirements of the law. Additionally, regular reviews and updates to the directive are recommended to ensure that the document remains current and aligned with the individual's wishes, as medical circumstances or personal beliefs may change over time.
Para su conveniencia, debajo del texto en español le brindamos la versión completa de este formulario en inglés. For your convenience, the complete English version of this form is attached below the Spanish version.
