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Common mistakes

  1. Not Clearly Identifying the Agent: One common mistake is failing to clearly identify the person chosen as the agent. It is crucial to provide their full name and contact information to avoid confusion.

  2. Leaving Sections Blank: Some individuals leave important sections of the form blank. Each part of the directive is designed to guide healthcare decisions. Omitting information can lead to uncertainty during critical moments.

  3. Using Ambiguous Language: When describing preferences for medical treatment, vague language can create misunderstandings. Be specific about your wishes to ensure they are followed accurately.

  4. Not Signing or Dating the Document: A frequent oversight is forgetting to sign and date the directive. Without a signature, the document may not be considered valid.

  5. Failing to Update the Directive: Life circumstances change, and so do healthcare preferences. Not revisiting and updating the directive can lead to outdated wishes being followed.

  6. Neglecting to Inform the Agent: It is essential to discuss your wishes with the appointed agent. Failing to inform them can result in decisions that do not align with your values or preferences.

Similar forms

  • Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care: This document allows an individual to designate someone to make health care decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so. Like the Advanced Health Care Directive, it ensures that a person's wishes are respected even when they cannot communicate them.
  • Living Will: A living will specifically outlines a person's wishes regarding medical treatment in situations where they are terminally ill or permanently unconscious. It serves a similar purpose by guiding health care providers and family members in critical situations.
  • Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order: A DNR order instructs medical personnel not to perform CPR if a person stops breathing or their heart stops. This document complements the Advanced Health Care Directive by providing clear instructions about resuscitation preferences.
  • Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): POLST is a medical order that outlines a patient’s preferences for treatment in emergency situations. It is similar to the Advanced Health Care Directive but is more immediate and actionable for healthcare providers.
  • Health Care Proxy: A health care proxy appoints someone to make medical decisions on behalf of another person. This document shares similarities with the Advanced Health Care Directive in terms of decision-making authority.
  • Advance Directive for Mental Health Care: This document allows individuals to express their wishes regarding mental health treatment. Like the Advanced Health Care Directive, it ensures that a person's preferences are known and respected.
  • Organ Donation Registration: This document indicates a person's wishes regarding organ donation after death. It aligns with the Advanced Health Care Directive by allowing individuals to express their preferences about posthumous medical decisions.
  • End-of-Life Care Plan: An end-of-life care plan outlines preferences for care and treatment during the final stages of life. It serves a similar purpose to the Advanced Health Care Directive by ensuring that a person's wishes are honored.
  • Emergency Medical Information Form: This form provides critical health information to emergency responders. It complements the Advanced Health Care Directive by ensuring that vital medical history and preferences are readily available in emergencies.
  • Homeschool Letter of Intent: This form is essential for parents in Arizona to officially announce their intent to homeschool their children. Submitting this letter ensures that families comply with state regulations. For more information, visit azformsonline.com/homeschool-letter-of-intent/.

  • Patient Advocate Designation: This document allows individuals to appoint an advocate to make healthcare decisions on their behalf. It is similar to the Advanced Health Care Directive in that it empowers someone to act in the patient's best interest.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the California Advanced Health Care Directive form, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure your wishes are clearly understood. Below are five things you should and shouldn't do.

  • Do clearly identify your healthcare agent and provide their contact information.
  • Do discuss your healthcare preferences with your agent and family members.
  • Do sign and date the form in the presence of a notary public or witnesses.
  • Don't use vague language when describing your wishes regarding medical treatment.
  • Don't forget to review and update the directive as your circumstances or preferences change.

Preview - California Advanced Health Care Directive Form

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)

 

 

 

Misconceptions

Many people hold misconceptions about the California Advanced Health Care Directive form. Here are eight common misunderstandings, along with clarifications.

  1. It is only for the elderly.

    This form is relevant for anyone over 18. Health care decisions can be necessary at any age.

  2. It only addresses end-of-life care.

    The directive can cover a range of health care decisions, not just those related to terminal illness.

  3. It must be completed with a lawyer.

    You can fill out the form without legal assistance, although consulting a lawyer may provide additional clarity.

  4. It is difficult to change once completed.

    You can revoke or update your directive at any time as long as you are mentally competent.

  5. It is only valid in California.

    While it is designed for California, other states may recognize it if it meets their requirements.

  6. It requires witnesses or notarization.

    While having witnesses or notarization is recommended, it is not always mandatory for validity.

  7. It can only appoint one agent.

    You can designate multiple agents and specify how decisions should be made if they disagree.

  8. Once signed, it cannot be changed.

    You have the right to modify or revoke your directive whenever you choose, as long as you inform your health care providers.

Understanding these misconceptions can help individuals make informed decisions about their health care preferences.

How to Use California Advanced Health Care Directive

Completing the California Advanced Health Care Directive form is an important step in ensuring that your healthcare wishes are honored. This document allows you to express your preferences regarding medical treatment and appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. Here’s how to fill it out properly.

  1. Start by downloading the California Advanced Health Care Directive form from a reliable source or obtain a physical copy from a healthcare provider.
  2. Read through the entire form carefully to understand the sections and options available.
  3. In the first section, provide your full name, address, and date of birth. This information identifies you as the individual creating the directive.
  4. Next, designate your healthcare agent. Choose someone you trust to make medical decisions for you. Fill in their name, address, and phone number in the designated area.
  5. In the following section, outline your specific wishes regarding medical treatment. You can express your preferences about life-sustaining treatments, resuscitation, and other medical interventions.
  6. Consider including any personal values or beliefs that might guide your healthcare decisions. This can help your agent understand your wishes better.
  7. Sign and date the form in the presence of a witness. California law requires that your signature be witnessed by at least one person who is not your healthcare agent.
  8. If you choose to have the document notarized, find a notary public to complete that step. Notarization is not required but can add an extra layer of validity.
  9. Make copies of the completed form. Distribute these copies to your healthcare agent, family members, and your primary care physician to ensure everyone is aware of your wishes.

Once you have filled out the form and shared it with the appropriate individuals, keep the original in a safe place where it can be easily accessed when needed. Regularly review your directive to ensure it still reflects your current wishes and make updates as necessary.