Medical Wishes
Overview
A medical wish, also known as an advance directive, is a written statement expressing your wishes for your medical care in the event that you become incapacitated and unable to make your own decisions. In Panama, medical wishes are recognized and can be used to guide doctors and other healthcare providers in making decisions about your care.
This document expresses your wishes for end-of-life care, such as whether you want to be resuscitated or placed on life support. Appointing a specific individual for a Medical Wish is not mandatory, but it can be beneficial to have a trusted person review and engage in discussions about your medical wishes.
Regarding legality, both Medical Proxy and Medical Wishes hold legal recognition in Panama. However, it’s crucial to note that a Medical Proxy carries legal enforceability, meaning doctors and healthcare providers are obligated to adhere to its instructions. On the other hand, while a Medical Wish is acknowledged, healthcare providers are not legally bound to fulfill the wishes expressed in it.
Benefits of a having a Medical Wishes Document
- Having medical wishes provides a guideline about your preferences, although it is not legally binding. By clearly expressing your treatment, medication, and end-of-life care preferences, your healthcare providers will be fully informed.
- Additionally, this can alleviate the burden on your loved ones. In the absence of a medical wish, your loved ones may face challenging decisions regarding your care, such as resuscitation or life support.
- Moreover, it brings tranquility. Knowing that your wishes are documented and acknowledged.
Risks of not having a Medical Wishes Document
- Your healthcare providers may not know your wishes, so you may not receive the care that you want or need.
- Your wishes may not be respected. If your healthcare providers do not know your wishes, they may make decisions about your care based on their own personal beliefs or values.
- Your loved ones may have to make decisions about your care that you would not have wanted them to make.
Medical Wishes Regulation and Guidelines in Panama
There are no specific regulations governing the creation of a medical wishes document in Panama. However, there are some general guidelines that you should follow when creating your medical wish, such as:
- Be specific about your wishes. The more specific you are about your wishes, the easier it will be for your healthcare providers to understand them.
- Ensure the document is properly signed and dated by you.
- Engage in open discussions with your loved ones concerning your wishes. Sharing your preferences with them is vital to ensure their awareness and understanding.
- Keep it up-to-date. As your wishes evolve, make necessary revisions. This will ensure that your healthcare providers have the most up-to-date information about your wishes.
- Store the document in a safe place where your healthcare providers can access it.
Medical Wishes Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
Contact Us
Take control of your future healthcare with Medical Wishes and document your preferences. Our team of experts is ready to assist you in a personalized Medical Wish tailored to your unique values and decisions.
To explore more about medical wishes, or if you would like to speak with a Patrimonial and Medical Law attorney, please Contact us or send us a note to info@kraemerlaw.com.
We also invite you to read our FAQs if you still have questions about Medical Wishes and Patrimonial and Medical Law.