Total Life Choices (TLC) provides free legal services to promote and protect the dignity of each individual. TLC attorneys and volunteers empower individuals in articulating and documenting crucial lifetime, incapacity, and end-of-life choices through education and legal planning. TLC counsels families on complex court procedures for probate, administration and guardianship.
IN THE NEWS
NY Times explores quality of life and end of life issues that need to be addressed at life’s end.
Comprehensive article summarizing the Family Health Care Decisions Act and emphasizing that the best way to ensure your wishes are carried out is to complete health care Advance Directives.
Mayo Clinic’s Ten Organ Donation Myths
A detailed account of the Terry Schiavo case used to explore potential consequences when no Health Care Proxy has been completed.
Fill out your NY Health Care Advance Directives and USLW® Registration
Agreement Today
CONTACT US
Total Life Choices (TLC)
New York Legal Assistance Group
7 Hanover Square, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10004
Phone: (212) 613-5000
Fax: (212) 714-7402
FAQs
Q: Will my Healthcare Advance Directive be honored if I become ill in another state?
A: All 50 states and the District of Columbia have laws recognizing the use of Advance Directives (i.e., Living Wills, Health Care Proxies, Medical Powers of Attorney). The majority of states will recognize a New York State Health Care Proxy and Living Will and most states also have reciprocity provisions. However, if you spend a great deal of time in more than one state you might want to consider executing an Advance Directive specifically worded to meet each state’s requirements to best protect your interests.
Q: I am worried about my Advance Directives not remaining confidential. What safeguards are in place to protect my privacy?
A: Your Advance Directive is a legal document and its privacy and confidentiality must be protected. In the Registration Agreement, it is clearly stated that the “Registry is not authorized to share my personal information with parties other than health care providers.” Health care providers (as defined by federal regulations on Advance Directives) are hospitals, doctors, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, providers of home health care, ambulatory surgery facilities, and hospices. Once transmitted to a provider, your Advance Directive becomes part of your medical record and the law protects the privacy of medical records. The Registry does not share or sell your personal information.
Q: How do I access my Advance Directives once they are stored in the U.S. Living Will Registry®?
A: You can visit the website at www.uslwr.com and access the documents by entering the “Source” and the “Registration Number,” both of which are listed on the Registry ID card you receive in the mail. If you do not have the card with you and a hospital/medical facility needs to access the documents, they can do so by calling 1 (800) LIV-WILL (800-548-9455).
Q: What if I already have an Advance Directive? Do I have to complete a new one to participate in TLC's Health Care Advance Directives Program?
A: No. TLC attorneys will review your existing Healthcare Advance Directives for legal sufficiency. If they are properly completed, you just need to complete the U.S. Living Will Registry® Registration Agreement form and TLC will register your documents.
Q: I don't have a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN). Can I still participate in the Registry service?
A: Yes. Individuals without a SSN can either leave this section of their Registration form blank or write that they do not have a SSN. An account number will be generated randomly and assigned to the individual.
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SERVICES
Health Care Advance Directives
- Health Care Proxy
- Living Will
- Registration with U.S. Living Will Registry®
- Trainings and Presentations
Advance Legal Planning
Court Proceedings
TLC PRESENTATIONS
Total Life Choices provides free legal education seminars and trainings on legal planning to community groups and medical and social service professionals. To schedule a TLC presentation, contact Tina Janssen-Spinosa, Esq. at (212) 613-5062 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
