Mental Health America of Virginia The voice of reason in mental health advocacy

One of the most important parts of creating a Psychiatric Advanced Directive is naming a HEALTH CARE AGENT. This person will act as your representative when you are unwell, especially if you are deemed "incapable of making an informed decision" by a court of law.        

Before you decide on an agent you should talk to each person you are thinking of naming as your agent or alternate agent. Do this before you decide who in particular will be your agent. Make sure your agent and alternates understand what they will have to do. Make sure your potential agent is willing to carry out your wishes. Remember that in the unfortunate even that your Psychiatric Advanced Directive is actually needed your agent may have to do a lot of work. They may have to go to court appearances, visit medical facilities, monitor your finances and extensively communicate with medical service providers. Make sure they can be there when needed.

Video script taken from "Advanced Medical Directives" From the Virginia Commonwelth Massey Cancer Center