FLORIDA LAWYERS AND PHYSICIANS ENCOURAGE LIVING
WILLS AND
HEALTH CARE SURROGATE DESIGNATIONS
TALLAHASSEE
The Florida Bar and the Florida Medical Association have
joined together to encourage Floridians to learn about the
benefits of preparing Living Wills and to designate Health
Care Surrogates. The lawyers’ and physicians’
groups are providing information and statutory forms on
their Web sites at www.flabar.org or www.fmaonline.org.
The Florida Bar and the Florida Medical Association are
working together in an effort to maintain their traditions
of serving the public interest.
Additionally, The Florida Bar Speakers Bureau is arranging
for members of its Elder Law, Health Law and Real Property,
Probate and Trust Law sections to volunteer as speakers
for address civic and community organizations throughout
the state on Living Wills and other end of life issues.
To schedule a speaker, groups should call 1-800-342- 8060,
extension 5767.
A Living Will is a document that gives instructions or
expresses an individual’s desire concerning any aspect
of his or her future health care treatment. A Health Care
Surrogate is a person designated to make health care decisions
if the individual becomes unable to do so. A Living Will
should not be confused with a person’s legal will
which disposes of personal property on or after his or her
death, and appoints a personal representative or revokes
or revises another will.
In order to make the provided documents valid, they must
be signed and witnessed. There is no need to involve a physician
or retain a lawyer, unless personally desired.
|
