ADVANCE MEDICAL DIRECTIVE

An Advance Medical Directive (AMD) is a legal document that you sign in advance to inform the doctor treating you (in the event you become terminally ill and unconscious) that you do not want any extraordinary life-sustaining treatment to be used to prolong your life.

ADVANCE MEDICAL DIRECTIVE (AMD)

New advances in medical knowledge and technology create new choices for both patients and healthcare providers. Some of these choices raise new ethical and legal issues.

One issue is that modern medical technology can technically prolong life in the final stages of a terminal illness. However, it cannot stop the dying process. In such situations, further medical intervention would be medically ineffective, and a decision has to be made whether to withdraw such futile medical intervention. Some terminally ill persons who are unable to express their wishes at that time, may want to be spared further suffering and be allowed to die naturally, in peace and with dignity.

Anyone who is 21 years old and above, and who is not mentally disordered can make an AMD.

What is an AMD?

Making an AMD is a voluntary decision. It is entirely up to you whether you wish to make one. In fact, it is a criminal offence for any person to force you to make one against your will.

How do I make an AMD?

Anyone who is aged 21 years old and above, and is not mentally disordered can make an AMD.

How much does it cost to make an AMD?

At Tanjong Pagar Medical Clinic, the cost of making an AMD is $32.70 per form.

For appointments, please call 64433101 or email info@tanjongpagarclinic.com.

Step 1

Obtain An AMD Form

The forms are available from medical clinics, polyclinics and hospitals. You may also ask your doctor for the form if you have decided to make an AMD. Alternatively, you can also download the AMD form online (print both sheets on a single sheet of paper front and back).
Step 2

Consult A Doctor With A Witness

The AMD must be made through a doctor (you do not need either a lawyer or legal advice to make an AMD). The doctor has the responsibility to ensure that:

1. You are not being forced into making the AMD.
2. You are not mentally disordered.
3. You understand the nature and implications of making an AMD.

You need to have two people witness you sign the AMD and they must sign the form as witnesses in your presence. One witness must be the doctor. The second witness must be 21 years or above and can be the doctor’s nurse, or any other suitable person.
If the witnesses are relatives, so long as they have no vested interests in your demise, they would be allowed to act as witness.
A doctor who for any reason objects to the AMD and registers his objection with the Registrar can refuse to witness the signing of an AMD. You can then approach another doctor to witness your AMD.
Step 3

Return The Form To The Registrar Of AMD

The completed form should be sent in a sealed envelope by mail or by hand to the:

Registrar of Advance Medical Directives

Ministry of Health, Singapore

College of Medicine Building

16 College Road, Singapore 169854

Your AMD is only valid when it is registered with the Registrar of Advance Medical Directives. The Registrar will send you an acknowledgement when the directive has been registered.

Things to note:

Print out the AMD form and fill in the necessary fields and details on Page 1
The AMD form has to be signed on the SAME DATE as both witnesses (therefore all three dates must be the same)
Both witnesses must be above the age of 21
Both witnesses must NOT be a beneficiary under your will or insurance policy
Both witnesses must NOT be an immediate family member (i.e. parent, child, spouse or sibling)

ADVANCE MEDICAL DIRECTIVE