What is a living will?
The living will (advance health care directive) is intended to record your wishes for whether or not to undergo medical treatment if there is an irreversible clinical situation and there is no longer any chance of recovery. The moment you are no longer able to communicate your wishes, the medical staff will look at your living will.
When will this be used?
Your wishes will only be applied if there is a terminal situation and medical interventions would prolong your life but not cure you. The medical staff will always ensure that you receive the necessary medical treatment to keep you comfortable. If your wishes go against the law, they will not comply (eg experimental medication).
In the event of an emergency such as an accident, medical staff will always do everything they can to save your life. For example, if you have indicated in your living will that you do not want CPR, this wish will not be respected at that time.
If you have indicated in your living will that you want to be a donor, or not, your family will be informed, but they cannot change your choice.
Who can make a living will?
- Adult legal residents of Spain
- People with a Número de Historia Única de Salud and Andalucia
Don't have this number? If you are registered with a municipality in Andalusia, I will request a temporary number especially for the registration of the living will. This does not mean that you are automatically registered with the public healthcare system or that you have to pay premiums.
What happens with my living will?
This is registered in the Registro de Voluntades Anticipadas of the Junta de Andalucia and the Registro Nacional of the Ministry of Health. So it is valid throughout Spain. The fact that you have a living will is automatically recorded in your digital health record of the public healthcare system. However, it can only be viewed by medical staff with authorization to do so.
You can always see who has seen your living will, you can check this online at any time but only if you have a digital signature. You can also always change your will, also online, but to confirm the changes you must always confirm said changes in person at a registration point.
Public healthcare or private hospital?
If you pay premiums via the Seguridad Social, you are entitled to medical treatment in the public healthcare system. Doctors will see in your medical records that you have a living will (but cannot access it freely).
Private hospitals and public health facilities do not share medical records. Physicians in private institutions must therefore be informed of the existence of the living will by your representative. They can then view it at the Registro Nacional in Madrid.
Foto: Río Huéznar, Sierra Norte de Sevilla
