It is the policy of the Center to respect and encourage patient self-determination. Patients will be encouraged and assisted to be active participants in the decision making process regarding their care through education, inquiry and assistance as requested. Patients will be encouraged to communicate their desires in regard to advance directives to their significant others, to allow for guidance of significant others and healthcare providers in following the patient’s wishes should the patient become incapacitated, rendering them unable to make decisions. If a Do Not Resuscitate (DRN) is in effect as part of your advance directives, special arrangements must be made in advance with the Center. The existence of an advance directive, or lack thereof, will not determine the patient’s access to care, treatment and services.
The state of Maryland Office of the Attorney General has developed a guide to Maryland law on health care decisions. You may obtain a copy by contacting the Center at 301-263-0800 or from the receptionist. Further for more information on this you may contact the Health Policy Division of the Attorney General’s Office at 410-576-6327 or e-mail to adforms@oag.state.md.us. Or to obtain more information visit their site at www.oag.state.md.us/healthpol/ or write to them at Office of the Attorney General, 200 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, MD 21202