Advanced Directives in Georgia: Legal Foundations, Clinical Practice, and Interprofessional Roles

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Define what an advance directive is under Georgia law, including the Georgia Advance Directive for Health Care and the newer Psychiatric Advance Directive (PAD) law.

Describe who can execute advance directives, the requirements for execution, revocation, amendment, and how healthcare agents’ duties are defined under Georgia statutes.

Discuss the ethical, clinical, and interprofessional implications of advance directives, including barriers to completing them and ensuring they are honored.

Compare different models of advance care planning and psychiatric advance directives, assessing their implementation challenges and best practices.

Demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively with patients and families about advance directives, clarify preferences, and document them properly.

Identify legal risks and responsibilities (including penalties) for providers in Georgia in relation to advanced directives not honored, coerced, falsified, or misused.