Legal issues

[dragon212k]

Hello my fabulous friends! So I need some help/general knowledge. In one of my classes we are going over medical/ethical situations, and the one this week is on same-sex partners and medical decisions, which I have volunteered to do a presentation on next week. What I need from you all is a general understanding of what must be done to allow

Comments

[songquake]

in IL, you can name anyone you want as your agent in an advanced directive/power of attorney form. that person then gets all access to you for medical stuff. actually, at most hospitals (IME) folks aren't particularly hard-core about checking ID's or anything to establish right-to-visit unless there is a conflict.

it's this conflict situation which is a big problem: if the biological family does not accept the partner, then unless there's a power of attorney in effect, the biological family is next-of-kin (starting with adult children, then parents, then siblings, etc.).

so having a durable power of attorney form is really important, AND in IL respected over the legal next-of-kin demands.

[questaree]

We usually end up relying on the good will of the hospital. Usually if I tell my doctor that my partners can be in the room and ask questions that's good enough. We haven't gone through all the legal stuff. With the kids, if I don't tell the doctors that I didn't birth the child, they don't question me, especially when said child is calling my 'mommy.' You might try calling daronadraka or journeyrose and asking them.

[whitr]

when is this due? not sure i'd have time between now and then, but i'd be glad to chat. but phone will be best as i'm in SF. 720-231-7142

[dragon212k]

I need to turn in a paper form of this on Sunday, but we'll be going over it next Tuesday. I'll try to give you a call this weekend if that's cool. Maybe saturday?

[whitr]

sat will be the worst day... call late if you want... if i'm up, i'll pick up

[daronalarsen]

call me. way easier than email and I have much to share. hugs

[daronalarsen]

Good talking with you today. Hope it helps. I'll try to find some stuff online, but no promises. Ask at your info desk if they have the yellow POA/LW form. hugs