Practitioners will be able to define and describe the purpose of advance directives and the role of primary care practitioners in the discussion and implementation of advance directives.

The course defines and describes the purpose of advance directives and the role of primary care practitioners in the discussion and implementation of advance directives. After completing this course, practitioners will understand the differences of living wills, health care proxy documents, durable power of attorney and physician orders for life-sustaining treatment (POLST). Guidance on conveying appropriate and timely information on advance directives to patients and their families is also provided.