NavigationNMOFS Advance Directive Policy
It is the policy of this facility to respect and encourage patient self-determination. Patients will be encouraged and assisted to be active participants in the decision-making process regarding their care through education, inquiry and assistance as requested. Patients will be encouraged to communicate their desires in regard to advance directives to our staff and to their significant others, to allow for guidance of significant others and healthcare providers in following the patient’s wishes should the patient become incapacitated, rendering them unable to make decisions. The existence of an advance directive, or lack thereof, will not determine the patient’s access to care, treatment and services.
It is important for the patient to be aware prior to signing the consent to operation, anesthesia, and other medical services; there may be a modification of their Advance Directive with a temporary suspension of their Advance Directive.
The facility will discuss suspension of advance directives with the patient and family due to the elective nature of cases performed. All efforts will be made to resuscitate patients and transfer them to a higher level of care in the event of an arrest or life-threatening emergency.
If the patient and/or family do not agree to suspend an active Advance Directive/DNR, we will refer the patient to the hospital setting for outpatient services by Dr. Ford who has privileges at Northern Light A.R. Gould Hospital.
