Advanced Directives are legal documents that allow you to convey your decisions about end-of-life care ahead of time to your family, friends and health care professionals to avoid confusion later.

A living will indicates how you feel about care given to sustain life. It also addresses issues including type of dialysis and breathing machines, if you want to be resuscitated if breathing or heartbeat stops, tube feeding and organ/tissue donation. You can accept or refuse care.

A Durable Power of Attorney for health care names the person you trust to make health decisions if you are unable to do so.

The OSS Orthopaedic Hospital will provide you with information on a living will and a Durable Power of Attorney. We utilize the forms recommended by the Pennsylvania Medical Society. Click below to download this information and please ask a member of the OSS Hospital staff if you have questions.