I'm Young ...do I need an Advanced Directive?

The very short answer is “YES”.  An Advance Directive is for every adult. 
An Advance Directive makes it possible for your wishes to be honored in
the event you are sick or hurt and cannot speak for yourself.  An Advance Directive is a legal document that helps one plan for future health care needs. 
The Advance Directive makes sure your religious and personal beliefs are
respected.  The Advance Directive appoints someone of your choosing, (sometimes called a durable power of attorney for health care) the authority to make sure doctors and facilities give you the kind of care you would want.  This person can be anyone of your choosing; a relative, or a friend.  It is important to talk to this person and make sure they are willing to accept this responsibility and to make sure they fully understand your wishes. If you do not have an Advance Directive, usually the next of kin makes healthcare decisions if you cannot make them for yourself.  This document allows you to leave health care instructions which allow doctors to know which  treatments you would want and which you would not.  Sometimes an Advance Directive is called a living will. This has nothing at all to do with an ordinary will that disperses your personal assets after death.  Some Powers of Attorney have to do with money.  An Advance Directive does not.  It is strictly for medical matters. 

The first thing to do is to talk things over with people whom you trust.  Some people elect to go to an attorney to have these documents drawn up.  There is not one special form that needs to be filled out.  One can make their own Advance Directive.  To make the document legal and valid, it must be signed by two witnesses.  The person you name as your health care agent cannot be a witness.  Maryland does not require the document be notarized.  You should give a copy to your doctor for your medical file and to others you trust so that it is available when needed.  Copies are just as valid as an original.  You can change an Advance Directive any time you choose. The document would come into play when your doctor certifies, in writing, that you are unable to make decisions for yourself.  You should make it clear in your Advance Directive when you want your health care agent to be able to make decisions for you. 

Having an Advance Directive is a gift you give yourself and a tool and gift to those you love.  To get Advance Directive forms, look at the following sites.  They are not all the same.  Make sure the one you chose reflects your beliefs and values.  They are:  Maryland Attorney General’s Office (410-576-7000) or www.oag.state.md.us/healthpol/adirective.pdf; or Caring Connections (NHPCO)
(800-658-8898) or www.caringinfo.org; or Aging with Dignity (888.594-7437) or www.agingwithdignity.org.