About the Ohio State Bar Foundation

Suggested Speaking Points and Presentation Outline Modify the following to suit the length and topic of the presentation. You also may wish to refer to the FAQs and other resources for additional information. Introduction Thank presentation organizers for inviting you Acknowledge VIPs, etc. Introduce topic Consider using anecdotes, statistics, current events Briefly outline presentation The changing climate surrounding end-of-life care decisions Development of Ohio advance directives Advances in medical technology that now present these choices to us The urgency in an age where medical advances can prolong life, but not always improve the quality of it Importance of Advance Directives Control of one's health care treatment Relieving the burden of loved ones Types of Advance Directive documents Durable (Health Care) Power of Attorney Living Wills Do Not Resuscitate Orders Organ Donor Forms People who need advance directives All adults who want to maintain control and relieve loved ones’ burdens Parents Sports enthusiasts Motorists What happens when Advance Directives are not in place Someone must file for guardianship in probate court A hierarchy of decision makers will be consulted Explain when Advance Directives activate Durable (Health Care) Power of Attorney activates whenever a person cannot make decisions for himself or herself (whether to take medication or have an operation, for example) Living Will activates only when a person is in a permanently unconscious state or terminally ill Limits on Advance Directives Person can revoke or change Advance Directives Pain and comfort care Doctor and facility refusal to follow Advance Directives Ensuring decision makers carry out personal health care wishes Complete Advance Directives Tell loved ones and proxy and health care providers where you keep Advance Directives Discuss your preferences before a crisis with proxy and family members Select proxy very carefully Advance Directives form availability Attorneys can order from Ohio State Bar Association Web site Public can order from Ohio Hospice and Palliative Care web site A wide variety of providers receiving this packet Other resources (see RESOURCE LIST in this packet) Additional resources Hand out the RESOURCE LIST in this packet or refer to this web site Refer to Provider Partners in the Light the Way campaign