Medical Treatment Decisions

Your right to make healthcare decisions and how you can plan now for your medical care, if you are unable to speak for yourself in the future, is important. St. Mary Medical Center supports your ability to make fully informed healthcare decisions—either for yourself or a loved one.

Informed Consent

Before you begin a medical treatment or procedure, your physician should provide you with all the details you need to make an informed decision. This should include information about the benefits and risks of the proposed treatment or procedure, as well as any alternative procedures available, and the possible need to administer blood or blood components. The doctor should also let you know if he or she has any independent economic interests that could influence his or her recommendation of the treatment. If your doctor does not give this information to you, please contact your nurse.

Advance Directives

When you are admitted into our care you will receive information about Advance Health Care Directives (AHCD). An AHCD allows you to appoint someone to have Power of Attorney for Healthcare Decisions.This person would then be legally authorized to make a care decision on your behalf, if you are unable to do so.