Advanced Directives

An Advance Directive is a written instruction such as a living will or durable power of attorney for health care, recognized under state law (whether statutory or as recognized by the courts of the State), relating to the provision of health care when the individual is incapacitated.

Patients have the right to accept or refuse medical care and can protect the right to make medical decisions by putting their healthcare preferences in writing. This is call an Advance Directive. Different types of Advance Directive are a living will, a durable power of attorney for healthcare, or any written document that is executed, dated, and signed that expresses treatment decisions.

If you have an Advance Directive, please inform hospital staff so that is can be noted and a copy placed in the medical record. You should keep the original Advance Directive, and bring it with you each time you are admitted to the hospital. If there are statements that cannot be honored at Cedar County M, they will be discussed with you and noted in your medical record.

If you do not have an Advance Directive and would like to create one please contact
Social Services at our hospital extension 3598 or call 876-3598.

Concerns about the implementation of an Advance Directive can be discussed with staff or calling Administration at 417-876-3929.

The patient may also contact the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services at 573-751-6303 or write them at:

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
P.O. Box 570
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570.