Advance Healthcare Directive
An advance healthcare directive is a legal document in which a person specifies what actions should be taken for their health if they are no longer able to make decisions for themselves because of illness or incapacity.
Advance Healthcare Directive
An advance healthcare directive is a legal document in which a person specifies what actions should be taken for their health if they are no longer able to make decisions for themselves because of illness or incapacity.
A major accident or illness may leave you unconscious or unable to speak. When this happens, you can tell people what you want regarding your healthcare using an advance directive. An attorney isn’t necessary to complete this process.
An advanced health care directive is a written statement that describes your wishes regarding end-of-life care. It helps you think about your future and tells your doctor and family exactly what kind of care you'd like to receive. When you're unable to speak or write, this directive gives your loved ones instructions on making decisions for you when you're not able to.
Advance directives do not apply to financial matters. You can create your directive as a part of your California estate plan while you are healthy and making medical decisions for yourself.
Creating an Advance Healthcare Directive in California
Your advanced healthcare directive lists your desires regarding your healthcare in case you are unable to make your own decisions. You may choose who you want to speak or execute the directive on your behalf.
The Agent You Name in Your Healthcare Directive has the Power to:
- Approve or refuse any treatment or care affecting your mental or physical condition;
- Select institutions, hire or fire health care providers
- Approve or reject medication, tests, or surgeries involving your care
- State whether you can receive healthcare or be removed from life-support
- Make decisions about organ donation, authorize an autopsy, or donate your body after death
