Advanced Health Care Directives
An Advanced Health Care Directive appoints an agent to make your health care decisions in case of incapacity, and tells your doctors and caregivers in precise legal form your desires regarding life prolonging treatment, pain management, organ donation, and personal care. By considering your options early, you can ensure the quality of life that is important to you and avoid having your family “guess” your wishes or having to make critical medical care decisions for you under stress or in emotional turmoil.
The current Advanced Health Care Directive replaced two prior forms called the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and the Directive to Physicians (also called a “Living Will”). If you have one of these older forms they are still valid, but it would probably be a good idea to replace them with the new format.
I recommend giving a copy of your Advanced Health Care Directive to the person you appoint as your health care agent, to your doctors, and to any hospital when you register.
I generally prepare an updated Advanced Health Care Directive as part of any estate plan. However, you can also do your own form. Information is available at the California Attorney General’s website. You can also get a form from the California Medical Association and many doctors offices and hospitals. Kaiser has an excellent form available for its members. Just be sure your form is a recent version and California specific.