National Health Care Decisions Day Highlights Importance of Advance Care Directives

Aspirus encourages adults of all ages to document care preferences and avoid delays during medical emergencies

National Health Care Decisions Day, observed annually on April 16, encourages individuals to plan by documenting their medical care preferences through advance care directives. Health care leaders at Aspirus say these legal documents are essential for ensuring patient wishes are honored and for preventing delays in care when individuals are unable to make decisions for themselves. 

 

“Advanced care directives are legal documents that allow individuals to make sure that their wishes are known should they ever find themselves in a situation where they’re unable to speak for themselves,” said Mikella Schulz, Aspirus Regional Manager Acute Care Coordination. “If you are over 18, you need an advanced directive. It’s a common misconception that only older adults or those with health conditions need one.”  

 

In situations where no directive is in place, hospitals need to pursue guardianship through the court system before a patient can transition to the next level of care. This process can take weeks or longer, keeping patients in hospital beds and limiting access for others who need care.  

 

To address this issue, Wisconsin lawmakers recently passed “Next of Kin” legislation, creating a pathway for designated family members to make certain medical decisions when a patient lacks capacity. The law was developed with input from health systems, including Aspirus, to help reduce delays and improve patient flow across care settings. 

 

The legislation applies specifically to incapacitated adults being discharged from a hospital inpatient unit to a nursing home or community-based residential facility when no power of attorney for health care or guardianship is in place. It does not apply to individuals with disabilities or those experiencing a mental health illness at the time a transfer is needed. This new law will take effect on June 1, 2026. 

 

Aspirus is grateful to Wisconsin Rep. Patrick Snyder, R-Weston, for taking a leading role in championing this legislation. “What we saw were patients ready to move to rehabilitation or assisted living, but without a directive or guardian in place, they were stuck,” said Rep. Snyder. “This law helps expedite that process so patients can get to the care they need while also freeing up hospital resources for other patients in need of acute care.” 

 

While the new legislation provides an important solution in specific situations, Rep. Snyder and Aspirus stress it does not replace the need for an advanced care directive. “Having a directive in place ensures that decisions are guided by your individual preferences rather than default processes or legal workarounds,” said Rep. Snyder. “I urge everyone 18 years and older to complete this paperwork. It will help you and your loved ones.”  

 

Advance care planning helps reduce emotional strain on families by removing uncertainty during already difficult situations. By clearly outlining wishes ahead of time, individuals can provide clarity and reassurance to loved ones and care teams alike. 

 

Aspirus offers free assistance to help individuals complete advance care directives and encourages community members to start the conversation with their families and providers. 

 

For more information about advance care directives or to get started, visit https://www.aspirus.org/advance-directives. 

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