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For Defining Medical Treatment Preferences
Ensure your medical wishes are respected, even when you cannot speak for yourself.
IN A NUTSHELL
With an Advance Healthcare Directive (known as Directiva Anticipada de Salud in Panama), you can specify your preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments, resuscitation, and other medical interventions.
In Panama, medical professionals are legally required to respect your documented wishes if you are unable to communicate due to illness, accident, or incapacity. However, in emergency situations, life-saving measures will always be administered immediately, regardless of whether your directive is available.
WHY YOU NEED AN ADVANCE HEALTHCARE DIRECTIVE
In Panama, every medical procedure—except for immediate life-saving measures—requires your consent as a patient. If you do not have an Advance Healthcare Directive or a healthcare power of attorney (Poder de Representación para Decisiones Médicas), and you are unable to communicate your wishes, your family or legal representatives may face difficult decisions. Without a directive, a court-appointed guardian may need to be assigned to make decisions on your behalf, which can delay critical care.
By creating a legally compliant Advance Healthcare Directive, you ensure that your preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments, pain management, artificial ventilation, dialysis, or resuscitation are clearly documented. This directive allows you to accept or refuse medical treatments based on your personal values, even if you are no longer able to communicate.
Additionally, an Advance Healthcare Directive relieves your loved ones from the burden of making emotionally challenging decisions during critical moments. It provides clarity and peace of mind, ensuring that your wishes are respected.
COMBINE YOUR DIRECTIVE WITH A HEALTHCARE POWER OF ATTORNEY
For comprehensive protection, we recommend pairing your Advance Healthcare Directive with a Healthcare Power of Attorney (Poder de Representación para Decisiones Médicas). This allows you to designate a trusted person to enforce your medical wishes, access your health information, and make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.
Legal experts in Panama advise combining these documents to ensure your preferences are fully respected and legally enforceable.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- The Panamanian legal system recognizes Advance Healthcare Directives as legally binding documents under Law 68 of 2003 (Patient Rights and Obligations).
- It is recommended to review and update your directive every 12 months or whenever your personal values or medical preferences change.
- Advances in medical technology and changes in healthcare laws may also necessitate updates to your directive.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What happens if I don’t have an Advance Healthcare Directive?
Without a directive, your family or legal representatives may need to make decisions on your behalf. In some cases, a court-appointed guardian may be required, which can delay medical care.
Why do hospitals in Panama ask for an Advance Healthcare Directive?
Hospitals request this document to ensure they respect your medical preferences and comply with Panamanian law.
Is an Advance Healthcare Directive enough on its own?
While a directive is essential, combining it with a Healthcare Power of Attorney provides additional legal protection and ensures your wishes are fully enforced.
How long is an Advance Healthcare Directive valid? Can it be changed or revoked?
Your directive remains valid until you update or revoke it. It is recommended to review it annually or whenever your preferences change.
Can a doctor refuse to follow my Advance Healthcare Directive?
In Panama, medical professionals are legally obligated to follow your directive. However, they may consult with your designated representative if there are questions about its applicability.
How can I document my wishes regarding organ donation?
You can include your organ donation preferences in your Advance Healthcare Directive. Alternatively, you can complete a separate Organ Donation Card (Tarjeta de Donación de Órganos).
GET STARTED TODAY
Create your Advance Healthcare Directive online in just a few simple steps. Ensure your medical wishes are respected and protect your loved ones from unnecessary stress.
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