Advance directives have been used in the field of general health care for several years. They were originally called "living wills". They are now available to direct mental health care as well. Advance directives for mental health care are fairly new.

This manual is designed to help you:

• Learn more about an advance directive for mental health care.
• Decide whether you want one.
• Develop an advance directive for mental health care.
• Know what questions to ask if you have someone help you write one.
• Use your advance directive for mental health care.
• Know about some problems in using one.

There are two laws in Maine that cover advance directives-"The Uniform Health Care Decisions Act" and the "Medical Treatment of Psychotic Disorders Act". This manual is designed for using the "Uniform Health Care Decisions Act." This is a law that gives an individual more choices and has more protections.

This manual has been prepared as public service. It is not legal advice. Doing an advance directive is not always easy and how it will be carried out is not guaranteed. You should consult a lawyer, if you can, if you have legal questions.