Resources
Attorney Michael S. Holmes' presentation of legal protections and obligations for Christian Scientists living in Texas
Advance Health Care Directive or Medical Power of Attorney: What it can do for you
An Advance Directive (or MPOA) gives individuals the opportunity to name a “Health Care Representative” to make health care decisions if an individual is incapable of making or communicating his or her own decisions. It also provides binding health care instructions both to the Health Care Representative and to medical personnel regarding the kind of health care an individual may wish. The Houston Visiting Christian Science Nurse Service, Inc. strongly encourages all Christian Scientists desiring to limit or decline medical care to complete an Advance Directive (MPOA) as a protection to themselves and to family members who might otherwise be called on upon to make uninformed decisions.
Addendum A (An example of language a Christian Scientist might use to request only Christian Science care and declining all medical care.)
Advance Healthcare Directive Cards
Every Christian Scientist is entitled to have proof of their declared and protected status as a Christian Scientist. This proof is now available in the form of an Advance Healthcare Directive (AHD) card. The AHD card is a loving provision that informs and guides non-Christian Scientists about your wishes regarding healthcare. It is your legal voice to instruct family, medical providers, and/or first responders of your rights and your expressed desire to rely upon Christian Science for healing. In addition to giving your personal information, the card may also designate your choice of a Christian Science practitioner to be immediately contacted if necessary
Consent form to receive Christian Science nursing care
Call our Christian Science visiting nurse: 713-304-8384
The Principle Foundation has launched a program called
Caring for Christian Scientists.
Caring for Christian Scientists CALL CENTER at 800-930-3795.
This is an over-the-phone information resource for Christian Scientists
Resources include information on housing, personal assistance, Christian Science nursing, care facilities, insurance, legal issues related to health care, and more.
www.RiperYears.org
This website is focused on the practical needs of senior Christian Scientists — anything from housing to personal care to finances and more.
Both programs are administered by The Principle Foundation.