Patient Guide

Advanced Directives FAQ

Can I tell my doctor about my advance directive before I am admitted to the hospital?

Yes. If possible, you should talk with your doctor and loved ones before you go into the hospital. That way, those closest to you will understand your wishes. If you decide to fill out an advance directive, make sure that you give copies to your doctor and loved ones. Keep an extra copy with your important papers, and bring a copy to the hospital with you.

If there is an emergency and our medical team must make on-the-spot decisions, your consent may be implied for any necessary medical treatment. In this case, the medical team will provide the care you need to stabilize your condition. Care choices can be discussed at a later time when your condition and wishes are more clear.

If I sign a living will, will Mercy talk with my family before taking any action stated in the paper?

Yes, unless you have a guardian or your living will names someone else to be notified. Ohio law requires hospitals to notify a patients previously named guardian, spouse or next of kin (in that order) before stopping or taking away life-sustaining treatment.

Does the Catholic Church offer guidance for making treatment decisions?

Mercy provides care that is consistent with the beliefs and practices of the Catholic faith. We follow the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services. The Directives teach about the inherent dignity of the human person. The person has the right and responsibility to participate in all treatment decisions, based on a free and informed conscience. The patient should work with the doctor to judge whether any proposed care offers a reasonable hope of benefit, without causing too many risks and burdens. If you would like more information, Chaplains in the Pastoral Care Department are available to speak with you.

What if I signed an advance directive before October 10, 1991?

Ohio law about advance directives changed to a large extent on October 10, 1991. If you signed your directive before this date, you should review it carefully to be sure that it can still carry out your wishes. If you would like information about filling out a new form, contact Pastoral Care or Patient Relations for assistance.

What if I signed an advance directive in another state?

If an out of state advance directive meets the requirements of Ohio law, then it will be recognized as valid in Ohio. If you do spend a lot of time in more than one state, you should try to have your advance directive meet the laws of both states.

What is a “Code Blue” or resuscitation status?

These terms mean trying to restart a patient's heart and/or lungs if they should stop working. Resuscitation attempts could include pressing on the chest (CPR), giving electric shocks to the heart (defibrillation), special medications, or the use of a breathing machine (ventilator or respirator). Your advance directive can indicate your wishes about resuscitation. You may also want to talk directly with your doctor about your wishes.

What about "Comfort Care"?

Comfort care is any medical or nursing treatment that is given to help a patient's pain or discomfort. This often includes food and fluids by mouth, wetting the lips, turning and positioning, bathing and pain management. MHP will provide comfort care to its patients at all times, with or without an advance directive.

What if I need additional help in making choices about health care?

You should talk with your doctor and your loved ones first. If you need more help, Mercy has an ethicist, pastoral care chaplains of many faiths, patient representatives and social workers who are all available to speak with you. We also have a Medical Ethics Committee that will consult with families, patients and health care providers when questions arise over the use or stopping of life-sustaining treatment. Be assured that any decisions are still up to the patient, the family and the doctor.

Places at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center to Call for More Information About Advance Directives

Pastoral Care - (419) 251-4703
Patient Relations - (419) 251-4570
Social Work Services - (419) 251-4105

Hospital Policies
Patient Relations - (419) 251-4570

Ethics Consultation Services; Medical Ethics Committee
Medical Ethics - (419) 251-3467

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