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Homepage Fill a Valid California Advanced Health Care Directive Form

Misconceptions

Many people have misunderstandings about the California Advanced Health Care Directive form. Here are four common misconceptions:

  1. It’s only for the elderly or seriously ill.

    This is not true. Anyone over the age of 18 can create an Advanced Health Care Directive. It’s a proactive step to ensure your healthcare wishes are known, regardless of age or current health status.

  2. It’s the same as a living will.

    While both documents deal with healthcare preferences, they are not identical. A living will specifically addresses end-of-life care decisions, whereas an Advanced Health Care Directive can also appoint someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.

  3. Once completed, it cannot be changed.

    This is a misconception. You can update or revoke your Advanced Health Care Directive at any time as long as you are mentally competent. It’s important to revisit your wishes periodically, especially after major life changes.

  4. Healthcare providers will not follow my wishes.

    Healthcare providers are legally obligated to honor your Advanced Health Care Directive as long as it is valid and properly executed. Having this document helps ensure that your healthcare preferences are respected in critical situations.

Steps to Writing California Advanced Health Care Directive

Filling out the California Advanced Health Care Directive form is an important step in ensuring your healthcare preferences are honored. This process involves a few straightforward steps that guide you through expressing your wishes regarding medical treatment and appointing someone to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.

  1. Obtain the Form: You can download the California Advanced Health Care Directive form from the California government website or request a copy from your healthcare provider.
  2. Read the Instructions: Familiarize yourself with the form and its sections. Understanding what each part requires will help you fill it out correctly.
  3. Designate Your Agent: In the first section, choose a person you trust to make medical decisions for you if you cannot. Clearly write their name and contact information.
  4. Specify Your Wishes: In the next section, outline your preferences for medical treatment. Consider what types of life-sustaining treatments you would or would not want.
  5. Include Additional Instructions: If you have specific wishes regarding organ donation or other preferences, make sure to include them in the designated area.
  6. Sign the Form: Once you have completed the form, sign and date it. Your signature confirms that this document reflects your wishes.
  7. Have Witnesses Sign: California law requires that your form be signed by two witnesses or a notary public. Ensure they are present when you sign.
  8. Distribute Copies: After the form is complete, provide copies to your healthcare agent, family members, and your doctor. Keep a copy for yourself as well.

Once you have filled out and signed the form, it is essential to communicate your wishes with your loved ones and healthcare providers. This will ensure everyone is aware of your preferences and can act accordingly when the time comes.

Common mistakes

Filling out the California Advanced Health Care Directive form is a crucial step in ensuring that an individual's healthcare preferences are honored when they cannot speak for themselves. However, many people make mistakes that can lead to confusion or unintended consequences. One common error is failing to designate a healthcare agent. Without a clear choice of a trusted person to make decisions, the form may not serve its intended purpose.

Another frequent mistake involves not discussing the directive with the appointed healthcare agent. It is essential that the agent understands the individual's wishes and values regarding medical treatment. Without this conversation, the agent may struggle to make decisions that align with the individual's preferences, potentially leading to conflicts during critical moments.

People often overlook the importance of being specific about their medical preferences. The directive allows individuals to outline their wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments, pain management, and end-of-life care. Failing to provide clear guidance can result in ambiguity, leaving healthcare providers unsure of how to proceed in a medical crisis.

Additionally, some individuals neglect to update their directive as their circumstances or preferences change. Life events such as a new diagnosis, changes in family dynamics, or shifts in personal beliefs may necessitate revisions to the directive. An outdated document may not reflect current wishes, which could lead to decisions that do not align with the individual's values.

Lastly, many people forget to sign and date the form properly. The California Advanced Health Care Directive requires the individual's signature, as well as the signatures of witnesses or a notary public. Incomplete signatures can render the directive invalid, which defeats its purpose. Ensuring that all necessary signatures are present is a critical step in the process.

Form Data

Fact Name Details
Purpose The California Advanced Health Care Directive allows individuals to outline their healthcare preferences and appoint a healthcare agent to make decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so.
Governing Law This directive is governed by California Probate Code Sections 4600-4800.
Eligibility Any adult who is of sound mind can complete an Advanced Health Care Directive in California.
Healthcare Agent Individuals can designate one or more healthcare agents to make medical decisions. The appointed agent must be at least 18 years old and cannot be a healthcare provider involved in the individual's care.
Revocation A person can revoke their Advanced Health Care Directive at any time, provided they communicate their intent to do so clearly.
Witness Requirements The directive must be signed by the individual and witnessed by at least two adults who are not named as agents or beneficiaries.
Notarization While notarization is not required, it can provide additional legal validation to the document.
End-of-Life Decisions The directive allows individuals to specify their preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments and other end-of-life care options.
Accessibility California provides a standardized form that can be accessed online or through healthcare providers to facilitate the completion of an Advanced Health Care Directive.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is a California Advanced Health Care Directive?

    A California Advanced Health Care Directive is a legal document that allows individuals to outline their preferences for medical treatment in case they become unable to communicate their wishes. It combines two key components: a health care power of attorney and a living will.

  2. Who can create an Advanced Health Care Directive?

    Any adult who is at least 18 years old and is of sound mind can create an Advanced Health Care Directive in California. This means you can express your health care preferences and designate someone to make decisions on your behalf if you cannot do so.

  3. What are the key components of the form?

    The form typically includes:

    • Designation of an agent to make health care decisions.
    • Specific instructions regarding medical treatment preferences.
    • Statements about organ donation.
  4. How do I choose an agent?

    When selecting an agent, choose someone you trust to make health care decisions that align with your values and preferences. This person should be willing to advocate for your wishes and understand your health care goals.

  5. Is it necessary to have the document notarized?

    No, notarization is not required for the Advanced Health Care Directive to be valid in California. However, it must be signed by you and either witnessed by two people or acknowledged by a notary public to ensure its legality.

  6. Can I change or revoke my Advanced Health Care Directive?

    Yes, you have the right to change or revoke your directive at any time as long as you are mentally competent. To revoke it, simply create a new directive or inform your health care provider and agent in writing that you wish to cancel the existing one.

  7. What happens if I do not have an Advanced Health Care Directive?

    If you do not have an Advanced Health Care Directive and become unable to make your own health care decisions, the state will determine who can make decisions on your behalf. This may lead to decisions being made by family members or, in some cases, by court-appointed guardians.

  8. Where should I keep my Advanced Health Care Directive?

    Keep your Advanced Health Care Directive in a safe but accessible place. Share copies with your designated agent, family members, and your health care provider. This ensures that your wishes are known and can be followed when needed.

Documents used along the form

The California Advanced Health Care Directive is an essential document that allows individuals to express their healthcare preferences and appoint someone to make decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so. Alongside this directive, there are several other important forms and documents that can help ensure a person's wishes are respected in medical situations. Here’s a list of those forms, each serving a unique purpose.

  • Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care: This document designates a specific individual to make healthcare decisions for you when you are unable to communicate your wishes. It is broader than the Advanced Health Care Directive and focuses solely on medical decisions.
  • Living Will: A living will outlines your preferences regarding medical treatments and interventions, particularly in end-of-life situations. It specifies what types of life-sustaining measures you do or do not want.
  • Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order: This order indicates that you do not wish to receive CPR or other resuscitative measures in the event of cardiac arrest. It is typically signed by a physician and must be followed by healthcare providers.
  • Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): This form translates your wishes about life-sustaining treatments into medical orders. It is intended for patients with serious illnesses and must be signed by a healthcare professional.
  • Organ Donation Consent: This document allows individuals to express their wish to donate their organs and tissues after death. It can be included as part of a driver's license or as a standalone document.
  • Healthcare Proxy: Similar to a durable power of attorney, this document specifically appoints someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf. It is essential for ensuring your healthcare preferences are honored.
  • Patient Advocate Form: This form allows you to designate a patient advocate who can help navigate the healthcare system and advocate for your medical preferences and rights.
  • Mobile Home Bill of Sale: If you're looking to buy or sell a mobile home in Arizona, the Mobile Home Bill of Sale is essential. This document records the transfer of ownership and includes important details about the transaction. For more information, visit Arizona PDF Forms.
  • Medical Release Form: This form grants permission for healthcare providers to share your medical information with designated individuals. It is crucial for ensuring that family members or friends can access your health records when needed.

Each of these documents plays a vital role in ensuring that your healthcare preferences are respected and that your loved ones are empowered to make informed decisions on your behalf. It’s important to review these forms regularly and discuss your wishes with your family and healthcare providers to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Document Sample

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

PAGE 3 of 7

(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)