By law as an adult patient you have certain rights. You should be given enough information to understand what medical treatment you want. You have the right to refuse treatment. You also have the right to know what might happen if you refuse treatment. If you cannot tell the doctor your choices at a time when you need treatment, your rights may be at risk. You can use an advance directive to say in advance, in writing, what those choices would be.
An advance directive is a form you can sign that either states your wishes for medical treatment or names of a person to make treatment choices for you. It will take effect only if you become unable to make your own decisions.
The four kinds of advance directives legally recognized in Texas are:
Medical Power of Attorney
Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates
Out-of-hospital Do-Not Resuscitate Order
Declaration for Mental Health Treatment
USMD Hospital at Arlington has Advance Directive Forms available in Admissions and in Pre-admission. If you have completed one of these forms, bring a copy with you when you check into the hospital.
Your choices to accept or reject medical treatment are described in the Patient Self-Determination Act and the Texas Advance Directives Act. USMD Hospital at Arlington offers you these directives and this information to assure you that your medical wishes and treatment choices will be honored. However, you are not required to make these choices to receive treatment.
Please feel free to request information and/or join in any discussions about ethical issues related to your care. You or your legal representative may consult with members of the Patient Care (Ethics) Committee. Just ask your doctor or call Client Services at 817-472-3430.
This Web site presents information to educate consumers on various health topics. It is NOT intended to provide instruction on medical diagnosis or treatment. The information contained on this site is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. You should NOT rely on this information to determine a diagnosis or course of treatment. The information should NOT be used in place of an individual consultation, examination, visit or call with your physician or other qualified health care provider. You should never disregard the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider because of any information you read on this site or on any Web sites you visit as a result of using this site. If you have any health care questions, please consult your physician or other qualified health care provider promptly. Always consult your physician or other qualified health care provider before you begin any new treatment, diet or fitness program.
