As a parent, you probably don’t want to think about the possibility of your college student facing a medical emergency far from home. But one simple, yet crucial, step can help you feel more at ease: encouraging your student to complete an Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD).
An Advance Health Care Directive is a legal document that outlines a person’s medical treatment preferences in case they become unable to make decisions due to illness or injury. While it might seem unnecessary for young, healthy college students, the reality is that accidents and health issues can arise at any time. It’s not about predicting the worst; it’s about planning for the unexpected.
Why Should Your College Student Have an AHCD?
The most important reason is that it gives your child the opportunity to appoint someone they trust—like a parent or close family member—to make medical decisions on their behalf if they are incapacitated. Without an AHCD, hospitals and doctors may be limited in the information they can share, and you might not have the legal authority to make critical decisions in an emergency.
Having an AHCD ensures that your child’s wishes are known and respected if they are unable to communicate, while also giving you the authority to step in and advocate for their care when needed.
What Does an Advance Health Care Directive Include?
An AHCD typically includes two parts:
- Designation of a Health Care Agent: This is the person (often a parent) who will make medical decisions if your child is unable to do so themselves.
- Treatment Preferences: This section allows your student to specify their preferences for medical treatments, such as life support or organ donation, in case they’re unable to communicate those wishes.
Peace of Mind for You and Your Student
No one wants to think about the possibility of their child facing a health crisis, especially while they’re away at school. But completing an AHCD is a simple, straightforward way to ensure that both you and your student are prepared for any situation. It can help you step in when necessary, protect their health care choices, and provide much-needed peace of mind for everyone involved.
Encourage your college student to take the time to complete an Advance Health Care Directive. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in times of uncertainty.