Patient Advocate and Advance Directive
Many people are worried about what to do if they become very sick or hurt and cannot tell others what kind of care they would like. Some people do not want life support if they are in a coma and will be on machines for the rest of their life. Other people want to make sure that all possible medical care is given to them even if they are in a coma for the rest of their life. In addition to picking a person to be an advocate for you in these situations, more and more people are writing down what they want other people to do for them. This is often called an advance directive.
Now is a good time to do it because you can make your wishes known while you are healthy. Your doctor's office has an advance directive form for you to fill out to tell your doctor what you want done. Your advance directive often includes a do-not-resuscitate order. Some people do this after talking to their doctor about their health status. It gives written notice to health care workers who may be treating you should you stop breathing or your heart stops. Your doctor can help you with this if you are interested.
If notice of your do-not-resuscitate order is given and is not followed, the treating person or organization can be subject to civil or criminal liability. Please follow the complaint process in your Member Handbook.
If you have any questions about McLaren Health Plan policies, call Customer Service and they will help you understand this process.
No one can force you to fill out the advance directive form. If you do fill out the form, you can change it at any time. McLaren Health Plan wants to make sure you know your rights under the law. This is not legal advice.
For complaints about how your provider follows your wishes, write or call:
Bureau of Health Professions (BHP), Complaint & Allegation Division
P.O. Box 30670
Lansing, MI 48909-8170
(517) 241-2389 or bhpinfo@michigan.gov
The BHP Complaint & Allegation website is www.michigan.gov/healthlicense (click on "file a complaint").
For complaints about how your health plan follows your wishes, call:
Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services
Toll free at (877) 999-6442 or www.michigan.gov/difs