Advance Health Care Directive
End of Life Care
It is often difficult for people to think about the care and treatment they want in the event they are incapable of making their own health care decisions. You may unexpectedly be in a position where you cannot speak for yourself - such as an accident or severe illness - and be unable to make treatment decisions. If this happens, you want to be assured that appropriate decisions are made. You can define in advance what medical treatment you prefer.
An Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) lets you say what you want and who you want to speak for you. An AHCD allows you to appoint an agent who has power of attorney to make care and treatment decisions on your behalf, and give instructions about your health care wishes.
- California Advance Health Care Directive Form (80K PDF )
- Directiva Por Anticipado De La Atencion De La Salud (80K PDF)
Copies of the completed form should be given to each person named as agent, or proxy, and to your primary care physician so that it can be added to your medical record.
Resources
From our Health Library
Read more on Advance Health Directives
Why is an Advance Directive important?
Things to include in your advance directive
End of life care Decisions:
End-of-Life Care: Should I Have Artificial Hydration and Nutrition? Opens New Window
End-of-Life Care: Should I Receive CPR and Life Support? Opens New Window
End-of-Life Care: Should I Stop Kidney Dialysis? Opens New Window
End-of-Life Care: Should I Stop Treatment That Prolongs My Life? Opens New Window
While state law requires certain provisions to appear in your health care directive, there is no single form in use to document your wishes. The Advance Care Directive forms above are provided by the California Hospitals Association.
www.calhospital.org | Advance Care Directive