GREENFIELD — Elder law attorney Pam Bennett will discuss the importance of creating an advance directive, often called a “living will,”
The free seminar about advance directives will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 4 at the Hancock County Public Library’s main branch, 900 W. McKenzie Road, Greenfield.
Those who attend may leave this free seminar with a notarized document that puts their desires on record.
Current Indiana law does not designate a specific person with the authority to decide what efforts will or will not be used to artificially prolong one’s life in the event of an illness or injury causing incapacity. Bennett will bring documents that allow people who attend to designate their choices. For instance, will artificial hydration and nutrition be administered in the event of incapacity due to a life-threatening injury or illness?
Additionally, without a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) authorization, a loved one might have difficulty obtaining information on a person’s medical condition. An advance directive ensures that treating physicians can share medical information with someone the patient has chosen ahead of time.
Register at hcplibrary.org or call 462-5141, ext. 240. Bring a photo ID that includes a signature in order to get documents notarized. The Hancock County Public Library is not responsible for general or specific ideas, suggestions or instructions provided during these sessions.
