FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 30, 2005

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Laurie Peacock
312-580-6497
(cell) 312-608-3620

“A Personal Decision”
ISMS Provides a Guide to Medical Care Decision-making

Chicago – To aid patients in taking charge of their own end-of-life medical care decisions, the Illinois State Medical Society (ISMS) has updated and expanded its booklet entitled, A Personal Decision.

The advance directives included in this booklet are vital tools for patients to specify, in advance, the level of medical intervention they would like to receive if incapacitated, along with the individual to whom they would entrust decision-making authority for their medical treatment and care. Hospitals, nursing homes and other health care facilities are required by law to provide information on advance directives to new patients.

The booklet includes:

• Summary of Illinois advance directives law, from the Illinois Department of Public Health.
• A living will form. Living wills allow patients to choose the level of medical intervention they would want to receive if terminally ill or injured.
• Do-Not-Resuscitate Order (form directing that resuscitation efforts shall not be attempted).
• Illinois health care power of attorney form. Health care power of attorney allows patients to designate a medical decision-maker in the event of incapacity.
• Illinois declaration for mental health treatment form and notification card (details patient preferences for specific mental health treatments in the event of mental illness/incapacity).
• An organ donor card. Patients who sign this card or the back of their Illinois driver’s license authorize the donation of their organs upon death.

Anyone interested in receiving a free copy of A Personal Decision should call 800-782-4767, extension 1638, or e-mail purchasing@isms.org. Bulk orders of the booklet are available. Copies may also be downloaded online at www.isms.org.