By law as an adult patient you have certain rights. You should be given enough information to understand what medical treatment you want. You have the right to refuse treatment. You also have the right to know what might happen if you refuse treatment. If you cannot tell the doctor your choices at a time when you need treatment, your rights may be at risk. You can use an advance directive to say in advance, in writing, what those choices would be.

• An advance directive is a form you can sign that either states your wishes for medical treatment or names of a person to make treatment choices for you. It will take effect only if you become unable to make your own decisions. The four kinds of advance directives legally recognized in Texas are:
  • Medical Power of Attorney
  • Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates
  • Out-of-hospital Do-Not Resuscitate Order
  • Declaration for Mental Health Treatment
• USMD Hospital at Arlington has Advance Directive Forms available in Admissions and in Preassessment. If you have completed one of these forms, bring a copy with you when you check into the hospital.
• Your choices to accept or reject medical treatment are described in the Patient Self-Determination Act and the Texas Advance Directives Act. USMD Hospital at Arlington offers you these directives and this information to assure you that your medical wishes and treatment choices will be honored. However, you are not required to make these choices to receive treatment.
• Please feel free to request information and/or join in any discussions about ethical issues related to your care. You or your legal representative may consult with members of the Patient Care (Ethics) Committee. Just ask your doctor or call Client Services at 817-472-3430.