Minnesota Catholic health care directive approved by state’s bishops

To assist Catholics of the state who wish to have an advance directive, the Minnesota Catholic Conference has prepared a Minnesota Catholic health care directive that meets the state's legal requirements and reflects the Church's teaching. This guide answers some basic questions about the law, Church teaching and completing a health care directive. The Minnesota health care directive is intended and designed to be another resource for people to state their desires, said Toby Pearson, the health associations executive director. One hope, he said, is that people use the forms to guide their decision-making and initiate conversation with their pastors, spouses, family members, attorneys, and social workers.

The bishops of Minnesota saw that other state Catholic conferences were making similar forms available and wanted Minnesotan’s to have the same options, said Chris Leifeld, executive director of the Minnesota Catholic Conference, the voice of the Minnesota bishops.

Minnesota Law

Minnesota law allows you to inform others of your health care wishes. You have the right to state your wishes or appoint an agent in writing so that others will know what you want if you can't tell them because of illness or injury. The available health care guide tells about health care directives and how to prepare them. It does not give every detail of the law.

What is a Health Care Directive?

A health care directive is a written document that informs others of your wishes about your health care. It allows you to name a person ("agent") to decide for you if you are unable to decide. It also allows you to name an agent if you want someone else to decide for you. You must be at least 18 years old to make a health care directive.

Why Have a Health Care Directive?

A health care directive is important if your attending physician determines you can't communicate your health care choices (because of physical or mental incapacity). It is also important if you wish to have someone else make your health care decisions. In some circumstances, your directive may state that you want someone other than an attending physician to decide when you cannot

make your own decisions.

Must I Have a Health Care Directive? What Happens if I Don't Have One?

You don't have to have a health care directive. But, writing one helps to make sure your wishes are followed. You will still receive medical treatment if you don't have a written directive. Health care providers will listen to what people close to you say about your treatment preferences, but the best way to be sure your wishes are followed is to have a health care directive.

For a Minnesota Catholic health care directive or guide . . . contact the Minnesota Catholic Conference, 475 University Avenue West, St. Paul, MN 55103; phone: (651) 227-8777; o r visit the conference Web site: www.mncc.org. The Web site includes copies to download and resources for additional information on health care directives, ethical decision making, and end of life care.