Legal Definitions - UHCDA

UHCDA

UHCDA stands for Uniform Health-Care Decision Act. It is a law that helps people make decisions about their medical treatment when they are unable to do so themselves.

For example, if someone is in a coma or has dementia, they may not be able to make decisions about their medical care. The UHCDA allows them to appoint someone they trust, like a family member or friend, to make those decisions for them.

Another example is if a person has a terminal illness and is unable to communicate their wishes for end-of-life care. The UHCDA allows them to create a document called an advance directive, which outlines their preferences for medical treatment in different scenarios.

The UHCDA is important because it helps ensure that a person's medical treatment aligns with their wishes, even if they are unable to communicate those wishes themselves. The examples illustrate how the UHCDA can be used in different situations to protect a person's right to make decisions about their own health care.