California Health Care Power Of Attorney

What is a health care directive?
A health care directive is a written document that informs others of your wishes regarding your healthcare. It allows you to appoint a person ("agent") to decide for yourself if you are unable to decide. It also allows you to appoint an agent if you want someone else decide for you. You must be at least 18 years to make a health care directive.

Why a Health Care Directive?
A health care directive is important if your doctor determines you can not provide your choice of health care (because of physical or mental). It is also important if you want someone else to take your health care decisions. In certain circumstances, your directive may indicate that you want someone other than the treating physician to decide when you can not make your own decisions.

Do I have a health care directive? What happens if I do not?
You do not need to have a health care directive. But, writing assistance to ensure that your wishes are respected. You will still receive medical treatment if you do not have a written directive. Health care providers will listen to what people close say about your treatment preferences, but the best way to be sure that your wishes are followed is to have a health care directive.

What if I am able to make my own health care decisions?
Unless you agree otherwise, your health care agent make decisions for you if you are not able to make health care decisions for yourself.

If I filled out a living will, do I also need a DPAHC?
It's a good idea to fill a DPAHC plus a living will, or combine them into one document. A living will generally allows you to state your wishes concerning life-sustaining treatment in the event you become terminally ill or permanently unconscious. Most states include these types of instructions in their forms DPAHC. By selecting a health care worker with a DPAHC, you ensure that someone you trust will oversee the implementation of the decisions and wishes in respect of any treatment not only life-sustaining treatment.

Who should I choose as an agent of health care?
You should choose someone you trust, like a spouse, partner, family member or a close friend. The person you choose should know your values and beliefs. If possible, you want to choose someone who lives in your area where he or she is required to direct your treatment for an extended period of time. Want to discuss your health care wishes with your agent and make sure he or she is willing to act on your behalf. Many states do not allow your health care provider or any person working in a health care institution must be an agent for health care.

Can I appoint another health care?
Yes. You must select at least one person to act as a replacement of your health care agent in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to make health care decisions for you.

How do I run a DPAHC?
You must be at least 18 years old and mentally capable of performing a DPAHC valid. You must sign your form DPAHC. Most states also require qualified adult witnesses or a notary to sign the DPAHC, recognizing that you are competent and acting under your own. No lawyer is required. If you are in a nursing home, other requirements may apply witnesses.

I prepared my directive in another state. Is it still good?
Health care directives prepared in other states are legal if they meet the requirements of other laws of the State of Califo or.