Ethical & legal issues: preparing for the end

“It’s all about how you LIVE.”

This is how Caring Connections, a national advanced directive awareness program run by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), eloquently sums up the steps for preparing for the end.

• Learn about options
• Implement a plan
• Voice the plan to others
• Engage others to LIVE

While the decisions can be difficult, preparing for the end is an activity that has to happen before it is needed.

To prepare for this Assignment, research your state’s or province’s laws regarding end-of-life advanced directives such as do-not-resuscitate orders, durable power of attorney for health care, and living wills.

Complete at least one of the end-of-life advanced directives listed above. (You do not need to turn this in.)

To complete this Application, write a 2- to 3-page paper, which addresses the following:

• What types of end-of-life advance directives does your jurisdiction allow? How did you find the documents allowed by your state or province?
• After completing the document, assess your feelings about the process. What factors contributed to you selecting the specific document you completed?
• What legal issues did you consider when you were completing the document?
• What ethical factors and principles did you consider when completing the documents?

Your written assignments must follow APA guidelines. Be sure to support your work with specific citations