Advanced Directive Policy

As a patient, you have the right to participate in your own health care decisions and to make an Advance Directive, or to execute a Power of Attorney that authorizes others to make decisions on your behalf when you are unable to make decisions, or are unable to communicate those decisions. Northern California Advanced Surgery Center, LP respects and upholds these rights.

However, unlike in an acute care hospital setting, the Surgery Center does not routinely perform “high risk” procedures. Most procedures performed in this facility are considered minimal risk. Of course, no surgery is completely without risk. You will discuss the specifics of your procedure with your physician who will advise you about any associated risks, your expected recovery, and care after your surgery.

Therefore, it is our policy, regardless of the contents of an Advance Directive or instructions from a Health Care Surrogate or Power of Attorney, that if an adverse event occurs during your treatment at this facility, we will initiate resuscitative or other stabilizing measures and transfer you to an acute care hospital for further evaluation. The acute care hospital will order further treatment or withdrawal of treatment measures in accordance with your wishes, Advance Directive or Health Care Power of Attorney.

The California Probate Code Section 4701 form, includes information regarding Power of Attorney designation, specific instructions about any aspect of your health care whether or not you appoint an agent and what they are authorized to decide on your behalf, end-of-life decisions, ability to donate your bodily organs and tissues following your death, and ability to designate a physician to have primary responsibility for your health care can be accessed here.

You or your representative will be notified in writing prior to the date of surgery regarding the Surgery Center’s Advance Directive Notice policy. The physician’s office scheduling your procedure will be responsible for distributing a copy of this written Advance Directive Policy. At the time of admission to the Surgery Center, you must sign the Advance Directive Notice acknowledging you have read and understand this policy.

Signing the Advance Directive Notice does not invalidate any current Health Care Directive or Health Care Power of Attorney. If you do not agree with this policy, your procedure will be rescheduled at another facility.

OWNERSHIP DISCLOSURE

Your surgeon may have a financial or ownership interest in Northern California Advanced Surgery Center, LP. Questions regarding the matter may be directed to the Clinical Director.

You have the right to choose your provider and where your procedure is performed. For any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact your physician.