What is a California Advance Health Care Directive?

An Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) form lets you say what you want and who you want to speak for you. An AHCD allows you to appoint an agent who has power of attorney for healthcare to make care and treatment decisions on your behalf, and give instructions about your healthcare wishes.

What Should I Consider for a California Advance Health Directive?

As you prepare your advance directive, you'll need to follow these four important steps:

1. Get the Advanced Health Care Directive and/or Power of Attorney for Healthcare forms for your state. In general, doctors will respect your wishes even if you have a form from a different state. The California form can be downloaded, below.
2. Choose your healthcare agent(s). This should be a person or persons you trust to make decisions for you.
3. Fill out the forms and have your signature witnessed, as your state requires.
4. Give copies to your family, your doctor and your healthcare agent. Keep an extra copy for yourself in case you need to go to a healthcare facility for a procedure or illness.

Sources: https://www.sutterhealth.org/for-patients/advance-health-care-directive