Advance Health Care Directives
Advance Directive is a generic term used for documents that traditionally include two parts:
Every adult needs an Advance Health Care Directive (or Advance Directive) regardless of age and health status. We never know when some kind of an event might leave us unable to speak for ourselves.
How Advance Directives Work
Advance Directives allow you to provide instructions relating to your future healthcare, such as when you wish to receive medical treatment or when you wish to stop or refuse life-sustaining medical treatments and to designate an individual(s) to speak on your behalf if you cannot speak for yourself.
By making wishes known in advance, you can help guide your families and friends, who may otherwise struggle to decide the best course. Many people choose a healthcare proxy who might be less emotionally involved as it might be easier to uphold their wishes rather than a beloved family member or spouse/partner. This might be a trusted attorney, friend, or other associates.
California’s Advance Directive
Advance Directives are legally valid in California and one example of a form can be found here: State of California Advance Directive. This Advance Directive does not require an attorney nor a notary if there are two valid witnesses, preferably unrelated to the individual. Learn more about California’s Advance Directive here.
An Advance Directive can be changed or cancelled at any time. This can be accomplished by notifying the healthcare agent, in writing, of the decision to do so. It is best to destroy all copies of the old Advance Directive and create a new one. Make sure to provide copies of the new document to the appropriate individuals, including your doctor or medical institution. It’s strongly recommended that Advance Directives be reviewed every year, re-signed and re-dated, indicating that the document continues to reflect current wishes.
Resources for Advance Directives
When considering the creation of a living will, it’s essential to access reliable resources. The California Attorney General’s website offers a comprehensive checklist and resource guide for end-of-life care planning and information on advance healthcare directives. This resource can assist you in understanding the necessary steps and considerations for creating an advance directive, including a living will.
In addition, reputable healthcare institutions such as the Mayo Clinic provide detailed guides and legal instructions regarding these and other advance directives. Accessing and using these resources can enhance your understanding of the importance of advance care planning and will help you make informed decisions about your healthcare preferences and ensure that your wishes are documented in a legally binding manner.