Advance Directives

Novant Health will follow the instructions expressed in a patient's advance directive to the extent required by law. For patients who are unable to make, or make known, medical decisions and do not have an advance directive, Novant Health will get consent from the patient's spouse, parents, guardian, nearest relative or other person authorized to speak for the patient.

What is a living will?

In North Carolina, a living will is a document that tells others that you want to die a natural death if you are terminally and incurably sick or in a persistent vegetative state from which you will not recover. In a living will, you can direct your doctor not to use extraordinary means that would delay your dying, for example: by using a breathing machine (respirator or ventilator), or to stop such treatments if they have been started. You can also direct your doctor not to begin or to stop giving you food and water through a tube (artificial nutrition or hydration).

What is healthcare power of attorney?

In North Carolina, you can name a person to make medical care decisions for you, including mental health treatment decisions, if you later become unable to decide yourself. This person is called your healthcare agent. In the legal document you name who you want your agent to be. You can say what medical treatments you would want and what you would not want. Your agent then knows what choices you would make.

Where can I get more information?

Your healthcare provider can tell you how to get more information about advance directives, or you can call the Novant Health Chaplaincy Services office at 704-384-4168.

Notary Public

Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center and Novant Health Matthews Medical Center offer notary public services to patients and their families. If you are in need of a notary public, please contact the hospital's guest services department.