Make Your Wishes Known!
South Carolina and federal law allows adults, 18 years or older, the right to make their own decisions about their health care.
This includes accepting, rejecting or discontinuing treatment – or choosing someone else to make decisions on their behalf. The same applies to health care through Hospice of the Upstate.
Most patients can express their wishes to their doctor, but those who are very ill or unconscious often cannot. An advance directive allows you to still communicate your wishes should you become unable to speak or advocate for yourself.