What is a Directive to Physician?

A directive to physician is an essential element of an effective estate plan. The document notifies health care professionals of your desires should your condition become terminal or irreversible.

These are terms of art and have specific definitions defined by statute. Below are the actual verbatim definitions for your convenience:

“Terminal Condition” in a Directive to Physician:

An incurable condition caused by injury, disease, or illness that according to reasonable medical judgment will produce death within six months, even with available life-sustaining treatment provided in accordance with the prevailing standard of medical care.

“Irreversible condition” in a Directive to Physician:

A condition, injury, or illness that:

1. may be treated, but is never cured or eliminated;

2. leaves a person unable to care for or make decisions for the person’s own self; and

3. without life-sustaining treatment provided in accordance with the prevailing standard of medical care, is fatal.

It would be tragic to suffer either of these conditions. More tragic for sure, however, is a family struggling to decide what to do about the situation.

While I have discussed these possibilities with clients, the thing that is consistent among them is that most have a clear opinion about what should be done, and most have not discussed it with their families.

This document is a clear statement of your wishes that tells health care providers exactly what should be done and takes one less burden off your family should the unthinkable occur.

You can read the full text of the statute HERE.

If you have any questions regarding if an estate plan is right for you, call The Malolo Law Firm, PLLC,
in McKinney at (214) 620-2088. Protect your legacy for your loved ones and plan your way!

Source: http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/HS/htm/HS.166.htm