Advance Directive (ND)

The North Dakota Health Care Directive is a legal document that protects your right to refuse medical treatment you do not want, or to request treatment you do want, in the event that you lose the ability to make decisions yourself. The Health Care Directive has four parts.

Part I. Appointment of Health Care Agent. Lets you name another person (called the health care agent) to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to make and communicate health care decisions for yourself. Your health care agent must make health care decisions for you based on the instructions you provide in this document (Part II), if any, the wishes you have made known to him or her. If you have not communicated your health care wishes to your agent, s/he must act in your best interest

Part II. Health Care Instructions. Lets you give health care instructions to guide others making health care decisions for you. If you have named a health care agent, these instructions are to be used by the agent. These instructions may also be used by your health care providers, others assisting with your health care and your family, in the event you cannot make and communicate decisions for yourself.

Part III. Making an Anatomical Gift. Allows you to record your wishes regarding organ donation.

Part IV. Making the Document Legal. The signature and witnessing area.