An advance directive is a “document or documentation allowing you to give directions about your future medical care or to designate another person to make decisions if you lose your decision-making capacity.” An advance directive is sometimes referred to as living will or durable healthcare power of attorney.
Downeast Surgery Center is an outpatient facility where only elective outpatient surgery is performed. In the unlikely event a life-threatening emergency occurred, our policy is to treat, stabilize, and transport you to Eastern Maine Medical Center or St. Joseph Hospital.
Downeast Surgery Center’s staff will acknowledge and follow your Advance Directives when they are received and placed on your chart. If you have Advance Directives it will be noted on your chart in prominent places for all staff to see.
It is your right to make informed decisions regarding your care and to formulate an advance directive consistent with state law. Information regarding our policy on advance directives will be shared with you verbally and in writing prior to your date of surgery. We will also provide you with a copy of the state law.
A copy of your advance directives (if you make them available) will follow you if admission to the hospital is necessary.