Through an Advance Health Care Directive, you can designate someone to
speak on your behalf and even determine treatments you want or do not want.
In California, the part of an Advance Directive you can use to appoint
an agent to make health care decisions is called a Power of Attorney for
Health care. The part where you can express what you want done is called
an Individual Health care Instruction.
As long as you are over 18 years old and capable of making your own medical
decisions, you can complete an Advance Directive, and you do not need a lawyer.
Fill Out an Advance Directive Form
Use the form below to choose someone to speak for you, if needed, and to
indicate your wishes regarding medical treatment. Give copies to your
designated representative, physician and to the hospital during pre-registration.
Click here to download (in pdf format) the Advance Health care Directive form:
Inform Your Care Provider If You Have One
If you've already completed an Advance Directive, it is your responsibility
to provide the hospital with a copy.
Advance Directive
Take a class to learn methods of communicating your healthcare wishes in writing