The Scoop on Advance Directives in North Carolina

Have you ever wondered who makes healthcare decisions for you when you’re no longer able to? These decisions are in your hands with predetermined advance directives.

Many studies show that only roughly a third of Americans have advance directives in place. For individuals without advance directives, their healthcare decisions are determined by state regulations.

“Advance directives are an umbrella term for instructions on your healthcare when you are not able to communicate those wishes. These forms include Do Not Resuscitate (DNR), Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST), Advance Directive for Mental Health Treatment, Health Care Power of Attorney, and a Living Will (Desire for Natural Death),” said Allison Simmons, MDiv., Iredell Health System Director of Pastoral Care.

Many healthy adults don’t see the need for advance directives, but your ability to make sound decisions on your own — which is ultimately determined by your medical provider — can change quickly.

“Examples of a person unable to make their own decisions include intubation, sedation, being under anesthesia, confusion, or a medical condition that affects cognitive function,” explained Simmons.

If you don’t use advance directives, the state of North Carolina decides who makes your healthcare decisions. This includes a current legal spouse, children 18 and older, or other family members who are 18 and older. If you are legally separated but never divorced, then your spouse is your primary decision maker. North Carolina does not recognize common law marriage, so someone you have been with for years but never legally married would not be your decision maker without an advance directive.

Advance directive forms are available to purchase on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website. Simmons urges you to discuss your wishes with your healthcare providers and family so they are aware of your wishes.

“These forms can be done at any time no matter how healthy you are, because when you are not able to make your decisions known, it’s too late.

The forms must be notarized to be put into effect and are valid until you determine they aren’t any longer.

“You can always change your mind,” said Simmons. “You can either verbally revoke or create a new form. The newest form is the one that is honored.”

Advance directive procedures can be confusing. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information or call Iredell Health System at 704-873-56561 and ask to speak with the chaplain.

About Iredell Health System
Iredell Health System includes Iredell Memorial Hospital; Iredell Davis Medical Center; Iredell Davis Behavioral Health Hospital; Iredell Mooresville; Iredell Home Health; Iredell Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center; Community and Corporate Wellness; Occupational Medicine; the Iredell Physician Network and more. Iredell Memorial Hospital is the largest and only nonprofit hospital in Iredell County. The comprehensive healthcare organization has 391 licensed beds; close to 2,000 employees; and has approximately 365 healthcare providers representing various specialties. Centers of excellence include Women’s and Children’s; Cardiovascular; Cancer; Surgical Services and Wellness & Prevention. The health system’s Iredell Mooresville campus is home to the area’s only 24-hour urgent care facility, as well as an ambulatory surgery center, imaging center, rehabilitation services, and physician practices. The mission of Iredell Health System is to inspire wellbeing. For a comprehensive list of services and programs, visit www.iredellhealth.org.