| Federal law requires surgery centers and physicians to tell patients and the people in their communities about their rights to make decisions about their medical care, including the right to accept or refuse medical treatment and the right to prepare "advance directives." This page discusses your rights in Virginia.
Q. Who has the right to make decisions about my health care?
A. You have the right to make decisions about your health care, in consultation with your doctor if you are at least 18 years old, married, or the parent of a child, as long as you have sufficient understanding to make and communicate responsible decisions about your care.....
Q. How do I exercise this right?
A. Your doctor should discuss your situation with you and obtain your consent before giving you care. You have the right to refuse treatment or to choose among different kinds of treatment. You may leave the physician's office, hospital, or seek treatment from other health care providers. Making a responsible choice does not always mean you accept you doctor's advice, but it does mean you understand the consequences of your choice.
Q. What is a written advance directive?
A. The written advance directive is broader than a living will and permits you to name a health care agent, give health care instructions, or both. A durable power of attorney for health care is an example of this kind of written advance directive. If you use the written advance directive, you can make decisions about life sustaining procedures if you are in a terminal condition, a persistent vegetative state or an end stage condition.
Patient Bill of Rights/Patient Responsibilities; as a patient, it is important that you know and understand your rights and responsibilities.
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