Why a Pad?
Why Have a PAD?
- Self-determination: PAD operationalizes a person’s choices regarding treatment and services—a crisis plan with teeth.
- Good vehicle to discuss planning and recovery with family, friends and providers.
- Gives providers, who may not know you, information which will help them provide you with good care.
- Opportunity to authorize, in advance, who can receive/release medical information.
- Can incorporate arrangements for care of children, finances (including housing) and pets during a crisis.
Why is a PAD Important?
- Allow family/agents to speak directly with providers during crises.
- Allow family/agents to help make decisions during crises.
- Support patient autonomy and empowerment in behavioral health care.
- May reduce involuntary treatment.
- May improve continuity of care.
- Honoring PADs is a Condition of Participation in Medicaid and Medicare for treatment facilities!
PAD Supports Recovery
Advance directives support principles of recovery: person-driven; based on respect; and involving individual, family and community strengths and responsibilities.
(SAMHSA “10 Guiding Principles of Recovery”)
People who exercise greater self determination have a better quality of life: Better employment situations, less physical and sexual abuse, more successful community integration.
(Powers et al., 2012; Shogren, Wehmeyer, Palmer, Rifenbark, & Little, 2014; Wehmeyer and Schwartz, 1997; Wehmeyer & Palmer, 2003)