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ADVANCED HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE As a service to those living in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, we have posted a form of an Advanced Health Care Directive on our website. You can print the Directive

How to fill out advanced health care directive

Who needs advanced health care directive?

1. People with chronic illnesses: Individuals with chronic illnesses, such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or heart disease, may benefit from having an advanced health care directive. This legal document allows them to outline their preferences for medical treatments and end-of-life care in case they become unable to communicate their wishes later on.
2. Older adults: As people age, there is an increased likelihood of developing health complications or experiencing cognitive decline. Having an advanced health care directive ensures that their medical decisions align with their values and preferences, even if they are unable to make those decisions themselves.
3. Individuals with specific medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as severe allergies, epilepsy, or mental health disorders, may require special considerations in medical decision-making. By having an advanced health care directive, individuals with these conditions can provide clear instructions to healthcare providers about their treatment preferences.
4. Anyone who wants to maintain control over medical decisions: Regardless of age or health status, anyone can benefit from having an advanced health care directive. This legal document empowers individuals to maintain control over their medical decisions, ensuring that their values, beliefs, and wishes are respected even if they are unable to communicate or make decisions.

Now, let's move on to how to fill out an advanced health care directive:

1. Understand the purpose: Begin by understanding the purpose of an advanced health care directive. It is a legal document that allows you to appoint a healthcare proxy or agent to make medical decisions on your behalf, and it also enables you to outline your preferences for treatment options, end-of-life care, and organ donation.
2. Choose your healthcare proxy: Select a trusted individual to serve as your healthcare proxy. This person should be someone who knows your values and preferences, and is willing to advocate for your medical decisions if you are unable to do so yourself. Discuss your wishes with them and ensure they are willing to take on this responsibility.
3. Research state-specific laws and forms: Research the laws and requirements specific to your state. While an advanced health care directive often follows a common structure, each state may have different legal requirements or forms. Ensure that you use the appropriate form and comply with any necessary signatures or witnesses as per state guidelines.
4. Consider your medical treatment preferences: Think about your medical treatment preferences in various scenarios, including end-of-life care. These preferences may include decisions about life-sustaining treatments, pain management, resuscitation, tube feeding, hospice care, and funeral arrangements. Discuss these preferences with your healthcare proxy and healthcare provider to ensure your wishes are understood.
5. Consult an attorney or use a template: To ensure that your advanced health care directive is legally binding and comprehensive, you may want to consult an attorney specializing in healthcare law. Alternatively, you can utilize templates or online resources offered by reputable organizations, such as hospitals, legal aid societies, or state health departments. These resources can provide guidance on what information to include and how to structure your document.
6. Share copies with relevant parties: Make multiple copies of your completed advanced health care directive. Provide a copy to your healthcare proxy, your healthcare provider, and any other relevant individuals involved in your medical care. It's important to keep the original document in a safe place, such as a secure file or with your attorney, and inform others of its location.

Remember, an advanced health care directive is a personal document that should reflect your own values, beliefs, and preferences. Regularly review and update it as needed, especially if there are any significant changes in your health status or treatment preferences.

For pdfFiller’s FAQs

What is advanced health care directive?

Advanced health care directive is a legal document that allows an individual to specify their preferences for medical treatment in the event that they are unable to communicate their wishes.

Who is required to file advanced health care directive?

Any competent adult can choose to create an advanced health care directive, but it is especially recommended for individuals with chronic illnesses, elderly individuals, and those facing terminal illnesses.

How to fill out advanced health care directive?

To fill out an advanced health care directive, one must specify their chosen healthcare agent, outline their medical treatment preferences, and sign the document in the presence of witnesses.

What is the purpose of advanced health care directive?

The purpose of an advanced health care directive is to ensure that an individual's medical treatment preferences are known and honored in situations where they are unable to communicate their wishes.

What information must be reported on advanced health care directive?

An advanced health care directive typically includes information about the individual's healthcare agent, preferences for life-sustaining treatments, organ donation preferences, and end-of-life care wishes.

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