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Advance Directives
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An Advance Directive is a legal
document that empowers consumers with the ability and right to plan
their own mental health care in the event they lose the capacity to
effectively make decisions. Modeled in accordance with Ohio's
"Living Will" statute, it is a durable power of attorney where
an agent is named to act on behalf of the consumer. The Advance
Directive gives the agent guidance regarding the consumer's treatment
preferences and related issues. The process of developing an
Advance Directive offers the consumer the opportunity to discuss signs
and symptoms or triggers for relapse not only to help others recognize
these signs, but to gain increased knowledge and control of his or her
illness (ODMH). |
The Hamilton County Community Mental Health Board staff have developed a presentation (PDF-must have acrobat reader) for local training. The Ohio Department of Mental Health has funded pilot projects in Stark and Washington Counties to implement the use of Advance Directives in Ohio. Visit Ohio Legal Rights Services for more information on advance directives in Ohio and/or to obtain a copy of the Durable Power of Attorney document. Also the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law Advance Directives web page provides a generic set of templates for developing an advance directive. |
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