Montane Health Directive
Frequently asked questions
▶ What is a Montane Health Directive?
▶ I want to change my Montane Health Directive. Can I just amend my current document?
▶ Should I discuss my preferences with my doctor before signing my Montane Health Directive?
▶ What happens if if I don’t make a Montane Health Directive?
▶ When does my Montane Health Directive get activated?
▶ How old do I have to be to make a Montane Health Directive?
▶ Can Montane Health Directive include permission about organ donation?
▶ Can I use Montane Health Directive to request euthanasia?
▶ For how long is Montane Health directive valid?
▶ Can I use a Montane Health Directive to consent to some aspects of palliative or emergency treatment and not others?
▶ I have additional questions about Montane Health Directive. Who can I contact?
What is a Montane Health Directive?
A Montane Health Directive contains your decisions about future health treatment. It provides your consent – and your refusal for consent – for particular types of medical, surgical and dental treatment. It’s activated in instances when you are unable to communicate your choices.
I want to change my Montane Health Directive. Can I just amend my current document?
It’s simpler and easier, therefore preferable, that you complete a new Montane Health Directive when your preferences change. This way there’s less chance of confusion and questions about the validity of the document.
Should I discuss my preferences with my doctor before signing my Montane Health Directive?
You don’t have to for the Health Directive to be valid. But if there are some options for treatment you’re weighing up, your doctor is the best person to consult for information about your particular circumstances.
What happens if if I don’t make a Montane Health Directive?
Someone is called upon to make a treatment decision on your behalf. It will be up to a legally appointed representative or person responsible for you (such as your spouse, parent, child, sibling or unpaid carer). The problem with this is that, even when the person responsible is able to make a decision that aligns with your values, by leaving it to someone else, you place a significant burden. In some instances, it is the burden of deciding whether you should live or die. Montane Health Directive reduces that burden by providing the people who care about you with a map for making life care decisions on your behalf.
When does my Montane Health Directive get activated?
Montane Health Directive is your “voice” when you cannot communicate your wishes. So, it gets activated only when you are not able to make reasonable judgements about treatment options or you’re unable to communicate (eg. you’re in a coma).
How old do I have to be to make a Montane Health Directive?
At least 18 years of age. Many young people do not consider the likelihood of death or accident, but incidents requiring emergency treatment decision making can occur to a person of any age. To stay in control and ease the decision making burden on your family, it is recommended people make a Montane Health Directive when they come of age.
Can Montane Living Will include permission about organ donation?
Upon death, the Montane Health Directive is deactivated and your Montane Will is activated. Therefore, if you have wishes regarding the donation of organ donation, you can put them in your Montane Will. Better still, you can register at your local organ donation register.
Can I use Montane Living Will to request euthanasia?
Not usually. In most countries euthanasia is illegal.
For how long is Montane Health directive valid?
The Montane Health Directive does not lapse or expire during your lifetime. However, people sometimes change their minds about their preferences for treatment, so it’s important you review and update regularly.
Can I use a Montane Health Directive to consent to some aspects of palliative or emergency treatment and not others?
Yes. Montane Living Will is the most personal and most flexible way to let people know what you want in specific circumstances.
I have additional questions about Montane Health Directive. Who can I contact?
To get the extra information you need, you can contact our helpdesk.
Additional Product Support Information
Visit Montane Health Directive support for more information.