California Advance Health Care Directive
Give someone you trust the authority to speak for you when you cannot speak for yourself. This California-specific Advance Health Care Directive combines a Health Care Power of Attorney with written health care instructions, helping your loved ones and medical providers understand your wishes.
This document allows you to:
- Appoint a primary Health Care Agent
- Name first and second Alternate Agents
- Choose when your Agent’s authority begins
- Provide instructions regarding life-sustaining treatment
- Address artificial nutrition and hydration
- Request pain relief and comfort-focused care
- Record personal, spiritual, or treatment preferences
- State organ and tissue donation wishes
- Provide autopsy, burial, cremation, and funeral instructions
- Designate a Primary Physician
- Nominate a preferred conservator if court involvement becomes necessary
The document also authorizes your Agent to communicate with medical providers and access relevant medical records, subject to your instructions and California law.
This downloadable DIY package includes California-specific execution guidance, two-witness and notary options, an Agent acknowledgment, and the additional patient-advocate or ombudsman section required when the Principal resides in a skilled nursing facility.
Completing an Advance Health Care Directive can reduce uncertainty, provide guidance to your family, and help ensure that important medical decisions remain in trusted hands.
Important: This is a self-help legal document and does not constitute legal or medical advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Review every selection carefully and follow the included signing instructions. Consult a licensed California attorney or qualified health care professional if you have complex medical wishes, family conflict, questions about selecting an Agent, or other unusual circumstances.