Legal needs of the ill: the social worker's role on an interdisciplinary team

The social worker in a medical setting is in a unique position to become aware of a patient's legal needs. The worker must therefore be able to furnish information about the patient's right to die a natural death, the donation of the body to science, powers of attorney, joint bank accounts, and the importance of a comprehensive estate plan. The author discusses how the worker can bring together professionals to best serve patients' needs.