An Advance Directive is a legal document that outlines your wishes in the event that you are unable to make medical decisions for yourself. It specifies the type of treatment you do and do not want, as well as who is authorized to make decisions on your behalf. The most common types of Advance Directives are a Living Will and a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care.
Since procedures performed at the Surgery Center of Silverdale are not “high-risk” procedures – they are elective and of short duration – it is our policy that life-sustaining measures will be provided and you will be immediately transferred to the nearest or best-choice hospital. If you have executed an Advance Directive and provide us with a copy, it will be forwarded to the hospital along with your medical records in the event of a transfer. At the hospital, further treatment or withdrawal of treatment measures will be exercised in accordance with your Advance Directive. If you disagree with this policy you should discuss it with your physician prior to your scheduled procedure.
If you do not have an Advance Directive and would like more information, our staff can provide you with a packet of information on Advance Directives in WA State.
Here are some links you may find helpful on this topic: