Provider Authorization and Obligations

• Providers must make a reasonable effort to notify the registry when they become aware of changes to an Advance Directive.

An advance directive is a legal document that conveys a person's wishes regarding their health care treatment and end of life choices, should they become incapacitated or otherwise unable to make those decisions. The document may include an appointment of an agent, identification of a preferred primary care physician, healthcare wishes, anatomical gifts, disposition of remains, terminal care document or similar documents.

The term provider is used by the registry to include health care providers, health care facilities, residential care facilities, probate court officials, procurement organizations, funeral directors, crematory operations and cemetary officials.

An authorized provider is an individual or organization that has been approved by the Department of Health for unlimited secure access to the registry.

A registrant is an individual who has submitted an advance directive or an Advance Directive Locator form to the Registry, and received written confirmation that the advance directive is registered.

Vermont Advance Directive Registry is a secure, web-based database to which individuals may submit, at no charge, an advance directive or an Advance Directive Locator form and other documents which amend, suspend or revoke an advance directive. The documents are electronically stored and may be accessed by providers through the Internet or by telephone.