Understanding Advanced Directives in CA
An Advance Health Care Directive is a powerful legal tool that allows you to plan ahead for your medical care — ensuring your voice is heard even if you’re unable to speak for yourself. It helps you communicate your preferences about treatment and lets you appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf.
In California, an Advance Directive has two key parts:
- Power of Attorney for Health Care
This section lets you name a trusted person — called your health care agent — to make medical decisions for you if you’re unable to do so. This can include decisions about surgery, medications, life support, or end-of-life care. - Individual Health Care Instruction
This section allows you to clearly express which treatments you want or do not want, such as resuscitation, artificial nutrition and hydration, or pain relief. These instructions help guide your agent and healthcare team based on your values and wishes.
Who Can Complete an Advanced Directive?
Anyone 18 years or older who is capable of making their own medical decisions can complete an Advance Directive in California. You do not need a lawyer to fill it out — it’s a straightforward process that can bring peace of mind to you and your loved ones.
Completing an Advance Directive ensures that your medical care aligns with your personal values, even in unexpected situations. It also relieves your family of the burden of guessing what you would want during difficult times.
Use the buttons below to download the Advanced Directive instructions and application. Use the advanced directive to indicate your wishes regarding medical treatment. Give copies to your designated representative, your physician, and the hospital during pre-registration.
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