Some business owners may prefer to keep their health care matters private. An advanced directive could protect your family and business associates from the details of your medical affairs during an illness or injury.

The State of New Jersey's Department of Health website notes that you may authorize a trusted health care representative to communicate on your behalf. Your chosen representative may discuss your medical conditions and treatments with your health care team.

What may a health care representative communicate?

You may leave written instructions explaining how you wish to receive treatment for physical or mental health issues. You may also detail procedures that your representative has the authority to deny or approve.

Your representative may discuss your diagnosis and options with your health care staff. He or she may also make medical decisions on your behalf if you become ill or injured and cannot communicate your preferences.

Which decisions may I instruct my representative to carry out?

As reported by the Mayo Clinic, instructions may include your preferences for end-of-life care. You may include instructions regarding where you prefer to die, such as at a hospital or in your home. Your instructions may also outline prescriptions to manage pain and discomfort.

Your representative may discuss your choices for using life-preserving medical equipment. Your preferences may include equipment such as a ventilator to help you breathe. Some Garden State residents include instructions to donate tissues and organs for research.

Advance directives offer business owners a way to take control of their medical treatments. By naming a health care representative, you authorize your chosen individual to communicate your wishes to your physicians. By leaving the decision-making to your representative, you may help lessen your family's distress.