Making an Advance Health Care Directive can be an emotional process, and it may seem overwhelming. Here is a checklist that can help you get started.
The California Legislature has created a Power of Attorney for Health Care by statute, called an Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) in California Probate Code § 4701. This document is a legally recognized form that allows a principal to not only choose their health care agents, but also state the principal's health care and end-of-life wishes.
In an AHCD a principal can:
As a principal, it is important to discuss with your agents what your medical wishes are when you complete your AHCD. Talking with your health care agents will help lessen confusion and disagreement about your choices and wishes
When your agent becomes your representative they will be able to make decisions like:
Your health care agent will be able to make ALL health care decisions for you unless you limit his or her authority.
Being your health care agent DOES NOT mean that they assume financial responsibility for you.
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