Every year on April 16, National Healthcare Decisions Day is observed. It is crucial to acknowledge that there may be instances when individuals are unable to make healthcare decisions for themselves. This day is dedicated to proactively addressing such potential situations. It serves as an opportunity for patients or healthcare recipients to communicate their preferences regarding the care they desire, ensuring that their wishes are not only respected but also fulfilled by healthcare professionals.

Purpose and Significance of National Healthcare Decisions Day

The primary goals of National Healthcare Decisions Day are to:

• Promote Advance Care Planning: Encourage individuals to think about and document their healthcare preferences before a medical crisis occurs.
• Increase Awareness: Raise awareness about the importance of having conversations with loved ones and healthcare providers about end-of-life care and other healthcare decisions.
• Empower Individuals: Provide people with the tools and information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare, including completing advance directives.

What is Advance Care Planning?

Advance care planning involves making decisions about the healthcare you would want to receive if you become unable to speak for yourself. These decisions are often documented in advance directives, which can include:

• Living Wills: Legal documents that outline your preferences for medical treatment in situations where you are unable to communicate your decisions.
• Healthcare Power of Attorney (POA): A legal document that designates a person (often referred to as a healthcare proxy or agent) to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.

Advance care planning ensures that your medical care preferences are known and respected, providing clarity and peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.

History and Origins of National Healthcare Decisions Day

National Healthcare Decisions Day was founded in 2008 by Nathan Kottkamp, a Virginia-based healthcare attorney, with the goal of inspiring, educating, and empowering the public and healthcare providers about the importance of advance care planning. The date of April 16th was chosen to follow Tax Day (April 15th), based on the idea that just as taxes are inevitable, so too are the need for making healthcare decisions.

Since its inception, NHDD has grown into a national movement, supported by a coalition of organizations, healthcare providers, legal professionals, and community groups dedicated to raising awareness about advance care planning.

Why Celebrate National Healthcare Decisions Day?

• To Ensure Your Wishes Are Known: NHDD encourages you to take control of your healthcare decisions by clearly communicating your preferences through advance directives.
• To Alleviate Stress on Loved Ones: By making your healthcare decisions known in advance, you can reduce the burden on your family and loved ones during times of medical crisis.
• To Foster Open Conversations: NHDD promotes open dialogue between individuals, their families, and healthcare providers about important healthcare decisions and end-of-life care.

How to Observe National Healthcare Decisions Day

1. Complete an Advance Directive: If you haven’t already, take the time to complete an advance directive, including a living will and healthcare power of attorney. Forms are often available online or through healthcare providers.
2. Have Conversations with Loved Ones: Discuss your healthcare preferences with your family, friends, and designated healthcare proxy to ensure they understand your wishes.
3. Consult with Healthcare Providers: Talk to your healthcare providers about your advance care planning decisions, so they are aware of your preferences and can provide guidance if needed.
4. Educate Yourself and Others: Learn more about advance care planning and share information with others. Many organizations provide resources and events on NHDD to help educate the public.
5. Document and Share Your Decisions: Once you’ve completed your advance directives, make sure to share copies with your healthcare proxy, family members, and healthcare providers. Keep your documents in a safe but accessible place.

The Importance of Advance Care Planning

• Clarifies Your Wishes: Advance care planning ensures that your healthcare preferences are clearly documented, reducing ambiguity and helping healthcare providers deliver care that aligns with your values.
• Reduces Family Conflict: When your healthcare decisions are clearly outlined, it can help prevent disagreements or misunderstandings among family members during times of crisis.
• Improves Quality of Care: Having an advance directive in place can help healthcare providers deliver care that is consistent with your wishes, leading to more personalized and appropriate medical treatment.

Common Misconceptions About Advance Care Planning

• It’s Only for the Elderly: Advance care planning is important for adults of all ages, as unexpected medical emergencies can happen at any time. Everyone should consider documenting their healthcare preferences.
• It’s About Giving Up: Advance care planning is not about giving up on treatment; it’s about ensuring that your healthcare choices are respected, whether you want all available treatments or prefer to limit certain interventions.
• It’s Complicated: While it’s important to consider your decisions carefully, completing an advance directive is usually a straightforward process, and many resources are available to help guide you.

Why People Participate in National Healthcare Decisions Day

• Peace of Mind: Knowing that your healthcare decisions are documented and understood by your loved ones can provide significant peace of mind.
• Empowerment: NHDD empowers individuals to take control of their healthcare decisions, ensuring that their values and preferences are respected.
• Public Awareness: Participating in NHDD helps raise awareness about the importance of advance care planning, encouraging others to take similar steps.

National Healthcare Decisions Day is a vital observance that encourages individuals to take proactive steps in planning for their healthcare needs. Whether by completing an advance directive, having conversations with loved ones, or educating yourself about your options, this day offers an opportunity to ensure that your healthcare decisions are respected and honored.