And she's been able to let health professionals know that through writing an
advance statement.
The real-world uptake of PADs has been limited, despite the impetus of the PSDA, PAD legislation in 25 states, and the fact that all states allow
advance statements for mental health in their health care decisions laws.
The BMA's new Code of Practice, while recognizing that health professionals may on occasion be legally liable if they disregard an instruction refusing treatment, nevertheless holds firmly to the view that the interests of both patients and professionals are best served by legally nonbinding dialogue (
advance statements) rather than by enforceable directives.
Furthermore, health boards and local authorities should jointly promote the use and benefits of
advance statements or advance directives, where appropriate, to help clarify the role of a carer when a person become unwell.