Maintaining medical independence in advanced age.
Juneteenth Day celebrates June 19, 1865, when Major General Granger landed in Texas with news that the Civil War had ended and that slaves were now free (History of Juneteenth, n.d.). Similarly, this article brings you news that patients are free to make their own medical decisions. American law now guarantees the right of all patients to make their own such decisions. Thus, this article introduces the concept of medical policy statements, a new way for patients to give instructions to medical professionals.
Saint Vincent's Hospital, Department of Community Medicine, New York, NY 10003, USA. barber@pol.net
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D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D005260:Female; D005853:Geriatrics; D006801:Humans; D008017:Life Expectancy; D008297:Male; D019300:Medical Errors