Advance Medical Directives

RMCHCS respects patients rights to make decisions about their health care. These decisions should be noted in their medical records.

Federal law requires hospitals to disclose that patients have the right to accept medical care or refuse it and to be informed of medical consequences of their decisions before and during the delivery of care

An Advance Medical Directive is a form that lets you plan ahead for the care you would want if you could no longer express your wishes. This form allows you to outline the medical treatment you would or would not want and identify the name(s) of the person you would like to make your health care decisions for you if you are no longer able to express your treatment wishes. RMCHCS honors Advance Medical Directives for all patients in accordance with law and regulation and the hospital's capabilities.

An Advance Medical Directive is important for both the young and old as injury or illness can strike at any age. New Mexico's Advance Medical Directive includes both a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare and Instructions for Healthcare.

Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
This form lets you name someone to serve as your agent or spokesperson. The agent decides your treatment only when you can no longer speak for yourself.

You do not need to be at the end of your life. Your agent could speak for you if you are in a coma but are likely to recover.

Instructions for Healthcare
This form lets you list the medical care you would want in the event that you could no longer express your wishes.

These instructions only take effect when you can no longer express your wishes.

For more information about Advance Medical Directives or for help to complete a form, please call the RMCHCS Chaplain at 505.863.7140.