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Advance Care Planning and Advance Healthcare Directives

What is an advance healthcare directive?

An advance healthcare directive informs family, friends and doctors of your wishes for your treatment in the event you can no longer communicate them yourself. It’s a legally binding document where you write down what healthcare treatments you wouldn’t like in the future. You can write what treatments you would like to receive, too. These preferences are not legally binding, but health professionals are obliged to explain why they did not follow your preferences. An advance healthcare directive relates specifically to your health care and your wishes with regard to your personal health.

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Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015

About the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 was passed by the Oireachtas on December 17, 2015. Within this Act is a new provision to legislate for Advance Healthcare Directives. Under the provision, an adult with capacity can make a legally binding statement – an Advance Healthcare Directive – and refuse any form of treatment, […] Read more >

Questions and answers on Advance Healthcare Directives

What is an Advance Healthcare Directive? It informs family, friends and doctors of your wishes for your treatment in the event you can no longer communicate them yourself. It’s a legally binding document where you write down what healthcare treatments you wouldn’t like in the future. You can write what treatments you would like to […] Read more >

Resources on Advance Healthcare Directives

 RESOURCES FOR THE PUBLIC Where can I find more information? The Think Ahead programme offers a Think Ahead form which includes an advance health directive that is compliant with the legislation. Citizen Information Board: Click here for an article on the Act and its provisions. Support and Advocacy Service for Older People (SAGE) Guide to the Act Support and […] Read more >

Best Practice – What Should I Do?

What can you do to help progress the Act? Contact your local TD/representative and speak to them about the importance of having this legislation commenced as soon as possible. Ask them to ask the Ministers for Health and Justice to commence the Act as a matter of urgency. Contact details for TDs can be found […] Read more >

Updates & News

Update on advance care planning - February 2017 The information sheet below provides an update on advance care planning and IHF activities and resources. It can be accessed by clicking on the picture below. Read more >

What is Assisted Decision-Making?

What is the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015? The Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015 provides the statutory framework that will support all adults to make their own decisions in relation to all aspects of their lives. What is the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015 and why is it important? The Assisted Decision Making […] Read more >

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