Advance Directives

NH Advance Directives 
Maine Advance Directives

Making decisions about medical care is not always easy, but preplanning and considering future options in the event that you are incapacitated at some point (even temporarily) should be an important consideration for everyone.

It's your right to participate in and plan for your care - even if you are unable to make your own health care decisions at a given point in time. That's why it's important to think and talk about your feelings and beliefs with your loved ones -- long before critical decisions must be made.

As required by law, we provide patients with information on Advance Directives prior to their stay at Portsmouth Regional Hospital. Our patients have told us that they prefer to review it in an unhurried way before coming to the hospital, and we want to give you an opportunity to do so with your loved ones in the privacy of your own home.

The State of New Hampshire recognizes two forms of advance health directives. We encourage you to download, print, and read the Advanced Directives Planning Guide published by the Foundation for Healthy Communities. This document includes detailed instructions, an Advance Directive Care Card, the Durable Power of Attorney, and a Living Will.

We will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have about Advance Directives. You may also want to talk things over with your physician, or consult an attorney for additional legal advice. To speak with someone at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, please call 603-433-4002.