Advance Directives

Any time you present to a hospital registration area or become a patient here, Iowa law requires we ask every patient age 18 and over whether or not they have an advance directive.  These are legal documents that make your medical wishes known, in the event that you are unable to do so yourself. 

Iowa law provides two types of advance directives:  Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney.  See your attorney if you are interested in setting up one or both of these documents for yourself.  Information and tools are also available at our Health Information Department.

If you already have these documents, it is strongly encouraged that you bring a copy to RMC to keep on file with your medical records.  This ensures they are available in the event of an emergency and your medical wishes are known to hospital staff.

Living Will

A Living Will is a document directing your physician that certain life-sustaining procedures should be withheld if you are in a terminal condition and unable to decide for yourself.  This allows you to state your wishes in writing, but does not name an agent.  It takes effect when you have a terminal condition and are unable to make decisions.

Durable Power of Attorney

A Durable Power of Attorney allows you to name anyone at least eighteen years old, known as your "agent", to make health care decisions for you, in the event your are unable to do so yourself.  This agent is required to make decisions according to directions you may provide in the durable power document or otherwise.  It goes into effect only when you are not able to make decisions for yourself.