Advance Medical Directives

The discussion surrounding illnesses, suffering, and death is an emotionally challenging and complex conversation. Often, we tend to postpone it, leaving our thoughts and discussions for the future. We believe that "everything will be fine," and rightfully, we want to focus on living our lives in the present, embracing health and positivity. Nevertheless, there are essential matters that every individual should be aware of, matters that concern their dignity and their right to decide how they want to live their lives and ultimately end them. At Leumit, we firmly believe that every person has the right to choose, and it is crucial to understand how to exercise that right.

According to the law, a healthy person is entitled to determine how they wish to be treated if they reach a point where they can no longer express their wishes. Every Israeli citizen who is 17 years old, not declared legally incapacitated, and capable of expressing their will, has the right to make decisions regarding their treatment and is authorized to complete official forms that allow them or their authorized representatives to decide how to act in complex medical situations. These forms can be completed at any stage of life, are valid for five years, and can be extended for an additional five years.

• The "Advance Medical Directives for a Patient Likely to Die" form, in essence, serves as a therapeutic will, intended for people who wish to make decisions about the termination of their lives in the future, if and when they are in a medical condition in which they are unable to express their wishes.
  The "Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care" form allows an individual to appoint a healthcare proxy who will be responsible for providing medical instructions for the treatment of that individual if they are unable to express their will.

Despite the complexity and difficulty of this subject, we recommend that everyone carefully consider and make decisions regarding their medical treatment, in case they are unable to make these decisions themselves. You may want to discuss this with family members or other close individuals to ensure they are aware of your wishes.
Afterward, it is essential to schedule a dual appointment with your attending physician. During this meeting, you will receive an explanation from the doctor about filling out the forms, and the doctor will complete the medical information section of the forms. You must sign the forms in the presence of two witnesses who are not close relatives and who will also sign the forms to confirm your decisions.

At Leumit, we wish you good health and a long life.