Social Services

Medical social workers are available to help you with the problems that frequently accompany an illness such as stress, financial difficulty, or need for follow-up care. They can also help you with Advance Directives (Living Will or Durable Power of Attorney). Social workers will assist you in making decisions about healthcare, give you information regarding community resources and agencies, and if necessary, help you locate home care services, or convalescent or skilled nursing facilities.

Advance Directives

What Are My Rights To Make Advance Directives?
Alaska State Law provides that you have patient rights, which includes the right to provide us with a written record of your wishes to be used if you become unable to make decisions. This record of your wishes is called an "Advance Directive." You are not required to have or make Advance Directives in order to receive care at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center.

What Is A Living Will?
A Living Will is one type of Advance Directive. You may place in a Living Will your specific requests about how you want to be treated if you become unable to tell your doctors and nurses what treatment you desire. Living Wills may contain detailed directions or they may be general statements of your wishes. Your doctor or nurse can refer you to Social Services for information if you want to know more about Living Wills. You are also encouraged to discuss a Living Will with your attorney and family members.

What Is A Durable Power Of Attorney For Healthcare?
Alaska State Law allows you to make a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare. This is a written directive allowing you to appoint someone to make decisions in your behalf if you become unable to do so. If you wish to know more about Durable Powers of Attorney, you may ask a doctor or nurse for a referral to Social Services for more information.

What If I Already Have An Advance Directive?
If you have already made an Advance Directive and wish it to remain in effect during this hospitalization, then you must provide a copy to your doctor or nurse. You may change or remove an Advance Directive at any time by notifying your doctor.

What Is Mat-su Regional Medical Center's Policy On Advance Directives?
Mat-Su Regional will respect your Advance Directive and adhere to your wishes to the extent possible under the law. Verification of your Advance Directive will be required for each hospitalization.