Covid 19 and Essential Estate Planning Documents like a Will, Power of A...

Covid 19 and Essential Estate Planning Documents like a Will, Power of Attorney and Medical Directive ADVANCE DIRECTIVE 1. Can my healthcare representative make decisions for me if I am still able to make my own decisions? Answer: No, your healthcare representative can only make decisions for you if your physician has evaluated you and determined that you are unable to understand your diagnosis, treatment options or the possible benefits and harms of the treatment options. 2. Can having an advance directive affect my life insurance, health insurance or the benefits I receive from a governmental benefits program? Answer: No. 3. Can my life insurance company, health insurance company, physician, hospital, nursing home or any other healthcare facility require me to have an advance directive? Answer: No. 4. Does New Jersey recognize an advance directive that is valid in another state? Answer: Yes. 5. What is the definition of "life-sustaining treatment"? Answer: Life sustaining treatment is any medical device or procedure that increases your life expectancy by restoring or taking over a vital bodily function. The medical device or procedure can be a drug, ventilator (breathing machine), surgery, therapy or artificially provided fluids and nutrition. 6. What is the definition of “permanently unconscious"? Answer: Permanently unconscious means you have permanently lost the ability to interact with your environment and are completely unaware of your surroundings. 7. What is the definition of "terminal condition"? Answer: Terminal condition means the final stage of a fatal illness, disease or condition. To be in a terminal condition you do not have to be diagnosed as having less than a certain amount of time to live (e.g., six months or less). 8. What happens if I regain the ability to make my own decisions? Answer: In that case, your physician must obtain your consent for all treatment. Once you have the ability to make healthcare decisions your healthcare representative will no longer have the authority to make decisions for you. 9. Who should have a copy of my advance directive? Answer: You should give a copy to your primary healthcare representative, alternate healthcare representative(s), family members and physicians. If you are treated at a hospital or enter a nursing home you should also provide a copy when you are admitted. Source http://www.state.nj.us/health/advance... EMAIL Kenneth Vercammen if you want us to prepare your documents.