The principal can use this form to include whether or not they want life-prolonging treatment. This type of care includes artificial nutrition and hydration (i.e., tube feeding or intravenous), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), a breathing machine, dialysis, antibiotics, and pain relief. They can also choose to gift their whole body or body parts (such as their eyes, organs, and tissues) to research, transplantation, therapy, or education. If the principal does not provide this information in the advance directive, the agent must decide for them.
Unless the form states otherwise, the agent can do the following on the principal’s behalf:
- Approve or deny medical treatment of any kind;
- Review and discuss medical records or history;
- Hire or fire health care team;
- Choose health care facility (e.g., hospital, assisted living, hospice, mental health facility, etc.);
- Remain the agent even if the principal (once incapacitated) wants a different agent;
- Enter the principal into a research study if it benefits them or increases scientific understanding of health condition;
- Determine visitation hours and rules; and/or
- Grant liability releases (if needed).
Laws: § 54.1-29-8
Signing requirements (§ 54.1-2983): Two witnesses are required.