Making your COVID-19 SOS Directive wishes known.
It is a good idea to talk with your loved ones about your COVID-19 SOS Directive and your why you signed it. This helps other people understand what you want and makes it more likely that you will be treated in the way you wish.
After you fill out your COVID-19 SOS Directive form be sure to tell your medical providers about your wishes so that they can also help to see that your wishes are followed.
To have the best chance of your choices to be heard and followed, you should:
Talk with your loved ones about your COVID-19 SOS Directive and your specific wishes. Give copies of the signed form to your next of kin and/or healthcare proxy. Tell select family members or friends where you keep a copy of your signed COVID-19 SOS Directive form.
Tell your healthcare providers about your COVID-19 SOS Directive and give them copies of your signed form. Be sure to let first responders and healthcare providers know that you have a COVID-19 SOS Directive before you are admitted to the hospital during a time of declared state of emergency, especially if there might not be enough critical care bed space, medications, or ventilators for all of the sick patients. Always carry your COVID-19 SOS Directive wallet card with you. If possible, take a copy of your COVID-19 SOS Directive form with you to the hospital or ask a loved one to bring one to the hospital as soon as possible.
Keep a record of the people and healthcare providers who have a copy of your healthcare directives, including your COVID-19 SOS Directive form. Remember to provide each of them an updated signed COVID-19 SOS Directive form if you make any changes in the future.
Creating your COVID-19 SOS Directive
If you decide you want a COVID-19 SOS Directive, you need to:
Fill out the form and have it signed and dated by you and your witnesses.
Tell your loved ones and doctors that you have an SOS Directive.