West Virginia -- 50% Advance Directive Completion Rate

West Virginia reports a 50% completion rate of advance directives.  On Monday, WV PBS will broadcast The Last Chapter: End of Life Decisions.  

The one-hour program examines the need for advance directives including a living will, a medical power of attorney, and a POST form (Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment).  While families share heartbreaking stories of the consequences of not having these decisions made before a medical crisis occurs, individuals who have completed these forms share their peace of mind. Through the guidance of The West Virginia Center for End of Life Care, Ruby Memorial Hospital, Thomas Memorial Hospital, and Hospice of Southern West Virginia, the program explains end-of-life care options. It also stresses the rights of patients, including the their ability to make changes to their advance directives at any time.