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What is the practical method of keeping a living will "in force" while hiking? Seems like details... Multiple copies stashed with multiple E phone #s? Have no desire to be jump started more than 3-4 times. In an E, where do they look for this stuff. Sharpie on pack? I have used info on half index card, but would like to hear other ideas. Seems like I've got enough paper detritis piled up. Thanks.
get a Medic Alert bracelet that says "do not resuscitate" that way you won't be jump started
I'm an attorney who practices in the Estate Planning field (so I do living wills daily).
Your big problem would be that every state has different requirements for living wills. Some are minor (like it has to be notarized, while other states don't require that). Some are bigger--like language that must be in the living will to take effect. Also effecting living wills are the new HIPPA regulations. Make sure you have a HIPPA release signed for your health care proxy (if you named one).
To make it accessible, I would upload it to a secure website. Keep a copy of the URL address, password, etc. with you, along with instructions for the doctor to go there to review your living will. You could also burn it to a CD, and carry the CD (I know--weight issues).
The easiest manner though is probably have a contact card on you, and have who ever finds you contact that person. Have that person have a copy of the living will. I'm assuming your living will is more than just a do not resuscitate document on this.
"ME & U"
05-04-2005, 10:18
Have "DNR" tatooed on your forehead!:D
hikerjohnd
05-04-2005, 10:37
Also effecting living wills are the new HIPPA regulations. Make sure you have a HIPPA release signed for your health care proxy (if you named one).
To make it accessible, I would upload it to a secure website. Keep a copy of the URL address, password, etc. with you, along with instructions for the doctor to go there to review your living will. You could also burn it to a CD, and carry the CD (I know--weight issues).
Excellent advice! Also - I spoke with my lawyer (who just happens to be my loving, supportive wife) and she said we do not need the HIPPA release because she has a power of attorney (something I felt we needed so she could take care of business while I'm gone). Maybe having someone on the homefront with a POA, who knows your wishes can be valuable in handling not only your affairs (apartment/house/bills) while you are gone, but can take care of your wishes should the need arise.
As to the CD issue - the new (or now popular) pocket CD-R's weigh just 1 oz with case - a minor weight addiiton - and can be used in any CD ROM drive - if the issue is important enough to you. I also recommend saving the electronic forms in a universally recognized format - PDF comes to mind - but be sure you are not using some obscure document reader (my scanner came with "DocuManager 2.0" ever heard of it? No one else has either!) Just be sure the documents can be read anywhere.
orangebug
05-04-2005, 11:53
I'd recommend keeping a copy at your primary care physician's office in your chart, and having your contact numbers to include that information with your ID/First Aid kit.
I'd strongly encourage that you have both the Living Will and a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare. If you live in Georgia, you can get free blank copies at www.MAG.Org under "Resources".
Thanks for practical and needed advice. Will go to plan "relative B," just to feel safe. Lotta little things to sort out!