Curveball Series: Advance Medical Directive (AMD)

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The Curveball Series was created with helping readers in stressful and emotional situations caused by unpredictable events that are life-changing. As much as we do not wish to lose control over our decision-making ability, there are multiple ways we could lose autonomy over choices we presently exercise without a second thought.

In some situations, we are legally restricted from making certain choices. In other situations, we are robbed of our mental ability to make decisions and those we love and care for are suddenly faced with decisions that would burden them greatly. For the latter (where we are no longer able to make decisions for ourselves), there are some documents we can prepare and procedures we can familiarise ourselves with, in order to demonstrate our wishes in case of such unfortunate circumstances.

The Advance Medical Directive:

Simply, the Advance Medical Directives (AMD) are written instructions for doctors not to prolong your life with extraordinary life-sustaining treatment where death is imminent and there is no chance for recovery.

The practice and professional responsibility of every doctor is to ensure that all necessary treatment are being given as long as the patient is not certified “terminally ill” and there is a chance of recovery. Doctors also have the responsibility to provide treatment that minimise pain and suffering if the patient is terminally ill.

What You Need: Advance Medical Directive – Checklist

	What You Need	Condition
a.	Be physically present (anywhere) with two witnesses	21 years old of sound mind Made the AMD voluntarily and without inducement or compulsion Informed of the nature and understands the consequence of making the AMD
b.	Two Witnesses	Physically present Someone who does not stand to benefit from your death to witness your signing of the AMD to sign the AMD themselves
c.	Prescribed AMD form	Available at any polyclinic/ private clinic to complete it to sign it in front of your witnesses to have it signed by your witnesses
d.	Payment for the doctor who is your witness	AMD is free Service rendered by the doctor to ensure that you are at least 21 years of age, of sound mind, and having made the AMD voluntarily and without inducement or compulsion, are informed of the nature and understand the consequence of making the AMD
e.	To Register	Registrar of Advance Medical Directives (Registrar of AMD) at: The Registry of Advance Medical Directives Ministry of Health College of Medicine Building 16 College Road Singapore 169854 Tel: 6325 9136 Fax: 6325 9212

 

It is not compulsory to share your AMD details with anyone. However, there is less confusion for your family members and loved ones if you bring up the subject for discussions before making these instructions. Please remember that the information you have lodged at the Register of AMD is kept confidential and you will need to write in to authorise the disclosure of this information. So think ahead – if not for yourself – then for your loved ones.

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This article is written by Sean Nguyen from Asia Law Network.

This article does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion on any matter discussed and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and practice in this area. If you require any advice or information, please speak to practicing lawyer in your jurisdiction. No individual who is a member, partner, shareholder or consultant of, in or to any constituent part of Interstellar Group Pte. Ltd. accepts or assumes responsibility, or has any liability, to any person in respect of this article.

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