Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this review and the VDDH Central Registry for Advanced Medical Directives.

I regularly prepare AMD/Health POA for my clients as part of their estate plan and in other parts of my Elder Law practice. As a standard part of the process, once their documents are executed, I provide specific written instructions on how to upload their AMD to the Central Registry. I also provide this information regularly at workshops and other public speaking events.

I find very few Virginian's are aware that this program exists and they are very grateful for the information. I allow them to see my own I.D. card that identifies that I have my own AMD/HPOA on file and I demonstrate to them that I keep it with my insurance card, medication list and all in my wallet with my driver's license as ALL of these are likely to be the first places first responders or E.R. personnel are likely to find it.

The Central Registry provides an important function - especially in places like Charlottesville, where we have two maiin hospitals and to have an AMD/HPOA on file with just one is problematic one is transported to the OTHER of the hospitals in town.

Keep up the good work and I would only suggest that a more robust educational/public information program be underetaken to spread the word that this services is free, secure and easy and makes it more likely that a patient's healthcare wishes will be honored.

Thank you and regards

Doris W. Gelbman, Esq.