1. Advance Directives
Required to ensure that members are fully informed of their
rights concerning advance directives.
Member may assign a representative to manage treatment decisions when the member is unable to do so.
Advance directives MUST be in a prominent part of a member’s medical record.
Documentation on member ‘s decision on advance directive MUST be included in the medical record.
Care givers are not required to provide care that conflicts with advance directives.
Allows member’s representative to be involved in decisions about withholding, declining, withdrawing life sustaining measures.
Witness and representatives must be at least 18 years old.
Care provider must request a conscience protection waiver from CMS if they object to a representative’s decision.
Staff who work in member services and benefits departments must be aware of members’ rights concerning advance directives.