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An advance directive is a written statement of a person's wishes regarding medical treatment, made to ensure those wishes are carried out should the person be unable to communicate them. No one wants to think about having a serious illness or a traumatic accident. However, making decisions now about future medical needs can bring peace of mind. "Advance directives get everyone on the same page," says Amy Fredericks, LMSW, director of the CHRISTUS St. Vincent Holistic Health & Wellness Center. "They're tools to ensure loved ones and providers are aware of patients' values and wishes. The completed documents are important resources, but the conversation you have with loved ones while filling them out is just as valuable." THE MOST HELPFUL In Santa Fe and other parts of New Mexico, completing the New Mexico Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (NM MOST) form is an option for those who are seriously ill, very frail or have a limited life expectancy. The NM MOST (part of the Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) model in other states) is more than just a list of preferences; it's a highly specific advance directive that translates care preferences into a set of medical orders. "Any patient in New Mexico with a serious condition should have a completed NM MOST," Amy says. "It's a concise document that has the ability to designate a health care decision-maker, as well as serve as an out-of-hospital do-not- resuscitate order. The NM MOST also outlines the level of treatment you wish to receive, including artificial nutrition and hydration." Whether you're being treated by first responders, in a hospital or by hospice workers at your home, the NM MOST form travels with you and requires all providers to follow your wishes. Unlike some advance directives that only need a witness signature, the NM MOST form requires the signature of your physician and should be completed with the help of your health care provider. This allows you or your designated health care decision-maker to ask any questions you may have about end-of-life treatment. Have questions about advance directives or end-of-life care? Call the CHRISTUS St. Vincent Holistic Health & Wellness Center at (505) 913-3820. Making your wishes known. National Healthcare Decisions Day Is April 16 National Healthcare Decisions Day exists to inspire, educate and empower the public and providers about the importance of advance care planning. It's never too early to make your health care wishes known. This April, we encourage you to become more familiar with the concept of advance care planning and what it means to you. Helpful information is also available online. Visit The National Institute on Aging website at nia.nih.gov/health/publication/ advance-care-planning, and the New Mexico Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment website at nmmost.org. Advance Directives 9 LiveWell | Spring 2016 Save the Date! CHRISTUS ST. VINCENT HEALTHCARE DECISIONS EVENT FRIDAY, APRIL 15 9 A.M. – 4 P.M. Pick up resources about advance directives from our information tables at the following locations: CHRISTUS St. Vincent 455 St. Michael's Drive, Santa Fe (First and Second Floors) CHRISTUS St. Vincent Cancer Center 490 A West Zia Road, Santa Fe We'll also be hosting two information sessions to help provide you with answers to difficult questions you may have. INFORMATION SESSIONS: 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. CHRISTUS St. Vincent Atrium Meeting Room (Lower Level) 455 St. Michael's Drive, Santa Fe For more information, please call (505) 913-4804.