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Content Overview

The California Advanced Health Care Directive is a crucial document that empowers individuals to make their healthcare preferences known in advance. It allows you to designate an agent, someone you trust, to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. This form encompasses various aspects of your healthcare wishes, including preferences for life-sustaining treatments, pain management, and organ donation. By clearly outlining your desires, you ensure that your values and choices are respected, even when you cannot communicate them. Additionally, the directive can provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones, knowing that your healthcare decisions align with your personal beliefs and priorities. Understanding this form is essential for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of medical care in a way that honors their individual rights and preferences.

Key takeaways

When filling out and using the California Advanced Health Care Directive form, consider the following key takeaways:

  1. Understand the purpose of the directive. It allows you to express your healthcare preferences and appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.
  2. Choose your agent wisely. Select someone you trust to make medical decisions that align with your values and wishes.
  3. Be clear about your wishes. Clearly articulate your preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments, organ donation, and other medical interventions.
  4. Complete the form in its entirety. Ensure all sections are filled out to avoid confusion or misinterpretation later.
  5. Sign the document in front of a witness. California law requires that your directive be signed by you and witnessed by at least one adult who is not your agent.
  6. Consider notarization. While not required, having the document notarized can add an extra layer of validity.
  7. Review and update regularly. Life circumstances and preferences may change, so it’s important to review your directive periodically.
  8. Share copies with relevant parties. Provide copies to your healthcare provider, agent, and family members to ensure everyone is informed of your wishes.
  9. Keep the original document in a safe place. Store it where it can be easily accessed in case of a medical emergency.
  10. Understand your rights. You have the right to change or revoke your directive at any time, as long as you are mentally competent.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your healthcare preferences are honored and respected.

Guide to Writing California Advanced Health Care Directive

Filling out the California Advanced Health Care Directive form is a significant step in planning for your future health care decisions. This document allows you to express your wishes regarding medical treatment and appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. Below are the steps to help you complete the form accurately.

  1. Obtain a copy of the California Advanced Health Care Directive form. You can find it online or request it from a legal office or healthcare provider.
  2. Begin by filling in your personal information at the top of the form, including your full name, address, and phone number.
  3. Designate an agent. In the section provided, write the name of the person you trust to make health care decisions for you. Include their contact information.
  4. Consider your wishes regarding medical treatment. In the designated area, clearly state your preferences for medical interventions, such as life support, resuscitation, or pain management.
  5. Include any specific instructions. If there are particular situations or treatments you want to address, write them down in the appropriate section.
  6. Sign and date the form. Your signature indicates that you understand the contents of the directive and agree to the choices made.
  7. Have the form witnessed. California law requires that you have at least two witnesses sign the document, confirming that you signed it willingly and were of sound mind.
  8. Make copies of the completed form. Distribute copies to your designated agent, family members, and your healthcare provider to ensure your wishes are known.

After completing the form, it is essential to keep it in a safe but accessible place. Regularly review your directive to ensure it still reflects your current wishes, especially after significant life events.

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ADVANCE HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE FORM

 

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Probate Code - PROB

DIVISION 4.7. HEALTH CARE DECISIONS [4600 - 4806] ( Division 4.7 added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 658, Sec. 39. ) PART 2. UNIFORM HEALTH CARE DECISIONS ACT [4670 - 4743] ( Part 2 added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 658, Sec. 39. )

CHAPTER 2. Advance Health Care Directive Forms [4700 - 4701] ( Chapter 2 added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 658, Sec. 39. )

4701. The statutory advance health care directive form is as follows:

ADVANCE HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE

(California Probate Code Section 4701)

Explanation

You have the right to give instructions about your own health care. You also have the right to name someone else to make health care decisions for you. This form lets you do either or both of these things. It also lets you express your wishes regarding donation of organs and the designation of your primary physician. If you use this form, you may complete or modify all or any part of it. You are free to use a different form.

Part 1 of this form is a power of attorney for health care. Part 1 lets you name another individual as agent to make health care decisions for you if you become incapable of making your own decisions or if you want someone else to make those decisions for you now even though you are still capable. You may also name an alternate agent to act for you if your first choice is not willing, able, or reasonably available to make decisions for you. (Your agent may not be an operator or employee of a community care facility or a residential care facility where you are receiving care, or your supervising health care provider or employee of the health care institution where you are receiving care, unless your agent is related to you or is a coworker.)

Unless the form you sign limits the authority of your agent, your agent may make all health care decisions for you. This form has a place for you to limit the authority of your agent. You need not limit the authority of your agent if you wish to rely on your agent for all health care decisions that may have to be made. If you choose not to limit the authority of your agent, your agent will have the right to:

(a)Consent or refuse consent to any care, treatment, service, or procedure to maintain, diagnose, or otherwise affect a physical or mental condition.

(b)Select or discharge health care providers and institutions.

(c)Approve or disapprove diagnostic tests, surgical procedures, and programs of medication.

(d)Direct the provision, withholding, or withdrawal of artificial nutrition and hydration and all other forms of health care, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

(e)Donate your organs, tissues, and parts, authorize an autopsy, and direct disposition of remains.

Part 2 of this form lets you give specific instructions about any aspect of your health care, whether or not you appoint an agent. Choices are provided for you to express your wishes regarding the provision, withholding, or withdrawal of treatment to keep you alive, as well as the provision of pain relief. Space is also provided for you to add to the choices you have made or for you to write out any additional wishes. If you are satisfied to allow your agent to determine what is best for you in making end-of-life decisions, you need not fill out Part 2 of this form.

Part 3 of this form lets you express an intention to donate your bodily organs, tissues, and parts following your death.

Part 4 of this form lets you designate a physician to have primary responsibility for your health care.

After completing this form, sign and date the form at the end. The form must be signed by two qualified witnesses or acknowledged before a notary public. Give a copy of the signed and completed form to your physician, to any other health care providers you may have, to any health care institution at which you are receiving care, and to any health care agents you have named. You should talk to the person you have named as agent to make sure that he or she understands your wishes and is willing to take the responsibility.

You have the right to revoke this advance health care directive or replace this form at any time.

ADVANCE HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE FORM

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PART 1

POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR HEALTH CARE

(1.1) DESIGNATION OF AGENT: I designate the following individual as my agent to make health care decisions for me:

(name of individual you choose as agent)

(address)

(city)

(state)

(ZIP Code)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(home phone)

(work phone)

 

 

OPTIONAL: If I revoke my agent's authority or if my agent is not willing, able, or reasonably available to make a health care decision for me, I designate as my first alternate agent:

(name of individual you choose as first alternate agent)

(address)

(city)

(state)

(ZIP Code)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(home phone)

(work phone)

 

 

OPTIONAL: If I revoke the authority of my agent and first alternate agent or if neither is willing, able, or reasonably available to make a health care decision for me, I designate as my second alternate agent:

(name of individual you choose as second alternate agent)

(address)

(city)

(state)

(ZIP Code)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(home phone)

(work phone)

 

 

(1.2) AGENT'S AUTHORITY: My agent is authorized to make all health care decisions for me, including decisions to provide, withhold, or withdraw artificial nutrition and hydration and all other forms of health care to keep me alive, except as I state here:

(Add additional sheets if needed.)

(1.3) WHEN AGENT'S AUTHORITY BECOMES EFFECTIVE: My agent's authority becomes effective when my primary physician determines that I am unable to make my own health care decisions unless I mark the following box.

If I mark this box , my agent's authority to make health care decisions for me takes effect immediately.

ADVANCE HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE FORM

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(1.4.) AGENT'S OBLIGATION: My agent shall make health care decisions for me in accordance with this power of attorney for health care, any instructions I give in Part 2 of this form, and my other wishes to the extent known to my agent. To the extent my wishes are unknown, my agent shall make health care decisions for me in accordance with what my agent determines to be in my best interest. In determining my best interest, my agent shall consider my personal values to the extent known to my agent.

(1.5) AGENT'S POSTDEATH AUTHORITY: My agent is authorized to donate my organs, tissues, and parts, authorize an autopsy, and direct disposition of my remains, except as I state here or in Part 3 of this form:

:

(Add additional sheets if needed.)

(1.6) NOMINATION OF CONSERVATOR: If a conservator of my person needs to be appointed for me by a court, I nominate the agent designated in this form. If that agent is not wiling, able, or reasonably available to act as conservator, I nominate the alternate agents whom I have named, in the order designated.

PART 2

INSTRUCTIONS FOR HEALTH CARE

If you fill out this part of the form, you may strike any wording you do not want.

(2.1) END-OF-LIFE DECISIONS: I direct that my health care providers and others involved in my care provide, withhold, or withdraw treatment in accordance with the choice I have marked below:

(a) Choice Not to Prolong Life

I do not want my life to be prolonged if (1) I have an incurable and irreversible condition that will result in my death within a relatively short time, (2) I become unconscious and, to a reasonable degree of medical certainty, I will not regain consciousness, or (3) the likely risks and burdens of treatment would outweigh the expected benefits, OR

(b) Choice to Prolong Life

I want my life to be prolonged as long as possible within the limits of generally accepted health care standards.

(2.2) RELIEF FROM PAIN: Except as I state in the following space, I direct that treatment for alleviation of pain or discomfort be provided at all times, even if it hastens my death:

(Add additional sheets if needed.)

(2.3) OTHER WISHES: (If you do not agree with any of the optional choices above and wish to write your own, or if you wish to add to the instructions you have given above, you may do so here.) I direct that:

(Add additional sheets if needed.)

 

ADVANCE HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE FORM

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PART 3

 

 

DONATION OF ORGANS, TISSUES, AND PARTS AT DEATH

 

 

(OPTIONAL)

 

(3.1)

Upon my death, I give my organs, tissues, and parts (mark box to indicate yes).

 

By checking the box above, and notwithstanding my choice in Part 2 of this form, I authorize my agent to consent to any temporary medical procedure necessary solely to evaluate and/or maintain my organs, tissues, and/or parts for purposes of donation.

My donation is for the following purposes (strike any of the following you do not want):

(a)Transplant

(b)Therapy

(c)Research

(d)Education

If you want to restrict your donation of an organ, tissue, or part in some way, please state your restriction on the following lines:

If I leave this part blank, it is not a refusal to make a donation. My state-authorized donor registration should be followed, or, if none, my agent may make a donation upon my death. If no agent is named above, I acknowledge that California law permits an authorized individual to make such a decision on my behalf. (To state any limitation, preference, or instruction regarding donation, please use the lines above or in Section 1.5 of this form).

PART 4

PRIMARY PHYSICIAN

(OPTIONAL)

(4.1) I designate the following physician as my primary physician:

(name of physician)

(address)

(city)

(state)

(ZIP Code)

(phone)

OPTIONAL: If the physician I have designated above is not willing, able, or reasonably available to act as my primary physician, I designate the following physician as my primary physician:

(name of physician)

(address)

(city)

(state)

(ZIP Code)

(phone)

ADVANCE HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE FORM

PART 5

PAGE 5 of 7

(5.1) EFFECT OF COPY: A copy of this form has the same effect as the original.

(5.2) SIGNATURE: Sign and date the form here:

(date)

(sign your name)

(address)

(print your name)

(city) (state)

(5.3) STATEMENT OF WITNESSES: I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of California (1) that the individual who signed or acknowledged this advance health care directive is personally known to me, or that the individual's identity was proven to me by convincing evidence (2) that the individual signed or acknowledged this advance directive in my presence, (3) that the individual appears to be of sound mind and under no duress, fraud, or undue influence, (4) that I am not a person appointed as agent by this advance directive, and (5) that I am not the individual's health care provider, an employee of the individual's health care provider, the operator of a community care facility, an employee of an operator of a community care facility, the operator of a residential care facility for the elderly, nor an employee of an operator of a residential care facility for the elderly.

First witness

Second witness

(print name)

(address)

(city)(state)

(print name)

(address)

(city)(state)

(signature of witness)

(signature of witness)

(date)

(date)

(5.4) ADDITIONAL STATEMENT OF WITNESSES: At least one of the above witnesses must also sign the following declaration:

I further declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of California that I am not related to the individual executing this advance health care directive by blood, marriage, or adoption, and to the best of my knowledge, I am not entitled to any part of the individual's estate upon his or her death under a will now existing or by operation of law.

(signature of witness)

(signature of witness)

ADVANCE HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE FORM

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PART 6

SPECIAL WITNESS REQUIREMENT

(6.1) The following statement is required only if you are a patient in a skilled nursing facility--a health care facility that provides the following basic services: skilled nursing care and supportive care to patients whose primary need is for availability of skilled nursing care on an extended basis. The patient advocate or ombudsman must sign the following statement:

STATEMENT OF PATIENT ADVOCATE OR OMBUDSMAN

I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of California that I am a patient advocate or ombudsman as designated by the State Department of Aging and that I am serving as a witness as required by Section 4675 of the Probate Code.

(date)

(sign your name)

(address)

(print your name)

(city) (state)

 

(Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 287, Sec. 1. (AB 3211) Effective January 1, 2019.)

ADVANCE HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE FORM

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ACKNOWLEDGMENT

A notary public or other officer completing this certificate verifies only the identity of the individual who signed the document to which this certificate is attached, and not the truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of that document.

State of California,

County of

On

before me,

(insert name and title of officer)

personally appeared

who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s) whose name(s) is/are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their authorized capacity(ies), and that by his/her/their signature(s) on the instrument the person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the person

(s) acted, executed the instrument.

I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing paragraph is true and correct.

WITNESS my hand and official seal.

Signature

 

(SEAL)

 

 

 

Documents used along the form

The California Advanced Health Care Directive is an important document that allows individuals to express their healthcare preferences and appoint someone to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so. Several other forms and documents complement this directive, ensuring a comprehensive approach to healthcare planning. Below is a list of related documents that can be useful in conjunction with the California Advanced Health Care Directive.

  • Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare: This document allows you to appoint someone to make healthcare decisions for you if you are unable to communicate your wishes.
  • Living Will: A living will outlines your preferences regarding medical treatment in situations where you are terminally ill or permanently unconscious.
  • Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order: A DNR order instructs medical personnel not to perform CPR if your heart stops or you stop breathing.
  • HIPAA Authorization: This form allows you to authorize specific individuals to access your medical records and health information, ensuring they can make informed decisions about your care.
  • Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): A POLST form translates your healthcare preferences into actionable medical orders, guiding emergency personnel in critical situations.
  • Sample Tax Return Transcript: A comprehensive document that presents various data points related to an individual’s filed tax return, offering a snapshot of the taxpayer's financial interactions with the IRS for a given year. For more information, visit smarttemplates.net.
  • Organ Donation Registration: This document allows you to express your wishes regarding organ donation after your death, ensuring your intentions are known and respected.
  • Financial Power of Attorney: While not healthcare-related, this document allows someone to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated, ensuring your bills and obligations are handled.
  • Will: A will outlines how you want your assets distributed after your death and can include provisions for your healthcare decisions.

Having these documents in place can provide peace of mind and clarity for both you and your loved ones. They help ensure that your healthcare wishes are honored and that your affairs are managed according to your preferences. Consider reviewing these forms regularly to keep them up to date with your current wishes and circumstances.