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The California Advanced Health Care Directive form is a crucial document that empowers individuals to make their healthcare preferences known in advance. It allows you to designate a healthcare agent, someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. This form also provides the opportunity to outline specific wishes regarding medical treatment, including preferences for life-sustaining measures and pain management. By completing this directive, you ensure that your values and desires are respected, even when you cannot communicate them yourself. This document not only facilitates communication among family members and healthcare providers but also alleviates the burden of decision-making during challenging times. Understanding the nuances of the form can help you navigate the complexities of healthcare decisions, ensuring that your voice remains heard in critical moments.

Document Example

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

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(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)

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is a California Advanced Health Care Directive?

    A California Advanced Health Care Directive is a legal document that allows you to outline your healthcare preferences in the event that you become unable to communicate your wishes. This directive can appoint a healthcare agent to make decisions on your behalf and specify your preferences regarding medical treatment.

  2. Who can be my healthcare agent?

    Your healthcare agent can be any adult you trust to make medical decisions for you. This can be a family member, a close friend, or anyone who understands your values and wishes regarding healthcare. It is important to discuss your preferences with them before naming them in your directive.

  3. What types of decisions can my healthcare agent make?

    Your healthcare agent can make a variety of medical decisions, including but not limited to:

    • Accepting or refusing medical treatments
    • Choosing healthcare providers
    • Deciding on end-of-life care options

    These decisions should align with your stated wishes, so clear communication is essential.

  4. Do I need a lawyer to complete this directive?

    No, you do not need a lawyer to complete a California Advanced Health Care Directive. The form can be filled out by you without legal assistance. However, consulting a lawyer can provide additional peace of mind and ensure that your document meets all legal requirements.

  5. How do I ensure my directive is valid?

    To ensure your California Advanced Health Care Directive is valid, you must:

    • Be at least 18 years old
    • Sign and date the document
    • Have your signature witnessed by at least one adult who is not your healthcare agent

    Following these steps will help confirm that your directive is legally recognized.

  6. Can I change or revoke my directive once it is completed?

    Yes, you can change or revoke your California Advanced Health Care Directive at any time. To make changes, simply complete a new directive or write a statement revoking the previous one. Make sure to inform your healthcare agent and any relevant healthcare providers about the changes.

Misconceptions

Many individuals have misunderstandings about the California Advanced Health Care Directive form. Clarifying these misconceptions can help ensure that people make informed decisions regarding their healthcare preferences. Below are four common misconceptions:

  • Misconception 1: The form is only for terminal illnesses.
  • Many believe that the Advanced Health Care Directive is only necessary for those with terminal conditions. In reality, this form can be useful for anyone, regardless of their health status. It allows individuals to outline their healthcare preferences in various situations, not just end-of-life scenarios.

  • Misconception 2: Completing the form means giving up control over medical decisions.
  • Some people think that by filling out this directive, they relinquish control over their healthcare choices. However, the directive actually empowers individuals to specify their wishes and appoint a trusted person to make decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so.

  • Misconception 3: The form is difficult to understand and fill out.
  • While legal documents can often seem complex, the California Advanced Health Care Directive is designed to be user-friendly. It includes clear instructions and straightforward language, making it accessible for most individuals.

  • Misconception 4: Once completed, the directive cannot be changed.
  • Some individuals believe that once they complete the directive, it is set in stone. In fact, people can update or revoke their directive at any time as long as they are mentally competent. Regularly reviewing and updating the document ensures that it reflects current wishes.

Common mistakes

  1. Not specifying a healthcare agent: Many individuals forget to designate a specific person to make medical decisions on their behalf. This omission can lead to confusion and delays in critical situations.

  2. Failing to discuss wishes with the healthcare agent: It is important to communicate your healthcare preferences with the person you choose as your agent. Without this discussion, they may not understand your values and desires.

  3. Using vague language: Some people write their preferences in unclear terms. Specific instructions help ensure that your wishes are followed accurately.

  4. Not signing and dating the form: A common mistake is neglecting to sign and date the directive. This step is crucial, as an unsigned document may not be considered valid.

  5. Overlooking witness requirements: California law requires that the directive be signed in the presence of either a witness or a notary public. Failing to meet this requirement can invalidate the document.

  6. Not updating the directive: Life circumstances change, and so do healthcare preferences. Regularly reviewing and updating your directive is essential to ensure it reflects your current wishes.

Document Data

Fact Name Description
Purpose The California Advanced Health Care Directive allows individuals to outline their health care preferences and appoint someone to make decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so.
Governing Law The directive is governed by the California Probate Code, specifically Sections 4600 to 4806.
Two Parts The form consists of two main parts: one for appointing a health care agent and another for specifying health care wishes.
Agent Appointment Individuals can choose a trusted person as their health care agent, who will have the authority to make medical decisions on their behalf.
Health Care Wishes Users can express their preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments, organ donation, and other medical interventions.
Legal Age To complete the directive, individuals must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind.
Signature Requirement The directive must be signed by the individual and either witnessed by two adults or notarized.
Revocation Individuals can revoke their directive at any time, provided they communicate their decision clearly.
Accessibility The form is available online and can be printed, filled out, and submitted without any special legal assistance.
Importance of Discussion It is highly recommended to discuss the contents of the directive with family members and the appointed agent to ensure everyone understands the individual’s wishes.

Similar forms

The California Advanced Health Care Directive is a vital tool for individuals wishing to express their healthcare preferences. It shares similarities with the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care. This document allows a person to designate someone else to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so. Like the Advanced Health Care Directive, it emphasizes the importance of having a trusted individual who understands your wishes and can advocate for you during challenging times.

A Straight Bill of Lading form is a key document used in the shipping industry. It serves as a contract between a shipper and carrier for the transportation of goods. This document specifies the particulars of the cargo, ensuring both parties have clear details about the shipment. For more insights on this important document, you can visit OnlineLawDocs.com.

Another document that parallels the California Advanced Health Care Directive is the Living Will. This form specifically outlines the types of medical treatments an individual does or does not wish to receive in situations where they are unable to communicate their desires. Both documents serve to ensure that a person’s healthcare preferences are honored, although the Living Will is more focused on specific medical interventions.

The Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order is also similar in nature. This document specifically instructs medical personnel not to perform CPR if a person's heart stops or if they stop breathing. While the California Advanced Health Care Directive can encompass a broader range of healthcare decisions, the DNR Order is a clear and concise directive that addresses a particular medical scenario.

Additionally, the Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form is comparable. POLST is designed for individuals with serious health conditions and translates their treatment preferences into actionable medical orders. Like the Advanced Health Care Directive, it aims to ensure that healthcare providers respect the patient's wishes, but it is typically used in more immediate and critical care situations.

The Health Care Proxy is another document that bears similarity. This legal instrument allows individuals to appoint someone to make healthcare decisions on their behalf. Much like the Advanced Health Care Directive, it ensures that someone who understands the person’s values and wishes can step in when necessary, thus providing peace of mind.

In the realm of healthcare planning, the Five Wishes document stands out as well. This comprehensive tool not only addresses medical decisions but also delves into personal, emotional, and spiritual wishes. Like the California Advanced Health Care Directive, it encourages individuals to think about their values and how they want to be treated, fostering deeper conversations about end-of-life care.

The Medical Power of Attorney is another similar document that allows individuals to designate someone to make medical decisions on their behalf. This document can be seen as a broader version of the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, encompassing a wide range of healthcare decisions, similar to the comprehensive nature of the California Advanced Health Care Directive.

The Advance Care Plan also shares common ground with the California Advanced Health Care Directive. This document encourages individuals to articulate their healthcare preferences and discuss them with family members and healthcare providers. It emphasizes communication and understanding, much like the Advanced Health Care Directive, which seeks to ensure that one’s wishes are known and respected.

Lastly, the Statement of Wishes is akin to the California Advanced Health Care Directive. This document allows individuals to express their healthcare preferences and values in a less formal manner. While it may not carry the same legal weight, it serves as a valuable tool for initiating conversations about healthcare decisions and ensuring that loved ones are aware of one’s desires.