VALLEY LASER AND SURGERY CENTER, INC.

36 W. Yokuts Avenue, Suite 3 Stockton, CA 95207

(209)952-1189 Fax (209)952-1174

Advance Directives Policy

All patients have the right to participate in their own healthcare decisions and to make advance directives or to execute powers of attorney that authorize others to make decisions on their behalf based on the patient’s expressed wishes when the patient is unable to make decisions or unable to communicate decisions.  This surgery center respects and upholds those rights.

However, unlike in an acute care hospital setting, the surgery center does not routinely perform “high risk” procedures.  Most procedures performed in this facility are considered to be of minimal risk.  You will discuss the specifics of your procedure with your physician who can answer your questions as to its risks, your expected recovery and care after your surgery.

Therefore, it is our policy, regardless of the contents of any advance directive or instructions from a healthcare surrogate attorney in fact, that if an adverse event occurs during your treatment at this facility, we will initiate resuscitating or other stabilizing measures and transfer you to an acute care hospital for further evaluation.  At the acute care hospital further treatment or withdrawal of treatment measures already begun will be ordered in accordance with your wishes, advance directive or healthcare power of attorney.

Your agreement with this policy by your signature below does not revoke or invalidate any current advance directives or powers of attorney.  If you do NOT agree to this policy, we will be pleased to assist you in rescheduling your procedure.