• Something you should know if you have a Will dated earlier than 2001

• Wills

• Power of Attorney

• Health Care Directives

Health Care Directive

A Health Care Directive is intended to deal with end-of-life issues.  A Health Care Directive speaks during the life of the individual and provides instructions regarding medical decisions in the event that the individual cannot articulate what he/she wants.

In Saskatchewan, the Health Care Directives and Substitute Health Care Decision Makers Act came into effect September 1, 1997.  Some of the provisions in the Act are:

• A person is entitled to sign a Health Care Directive if they are 16 years old and of sound mind.
• If a Health Care Directive specifically deals with a situation, then the health care provider should follow it.
• If the document does not clearly anticipate and give directions for the situation, the Living Will is to be used by the health professional for guidance as to the wishes of the person making the directive.
• If your physicians, nurses and others act in good faith in reliance of the directions in your Living Will, they are generally protected from claims that might be made against them. This means they are more willing to comply with your wishes.

Because of this legislation a health care provider will be prepared to honour your directions in a Health Care Directive.

A Health Care Directive can also be revoked if you change your mind about it at a later date. It can be revoked in writing, by destroying the document or even verbally.