Advance Health Care Directive

It is often difficult for people to think about the care and treatment they want in the event they are incapable of making their own health care decisions. You may unexpectedly be in a position where you cannot speak for yourself - such as an accident or severe illness - and be unable to make treatment decisions. If this happens, you want to be assured that appropriate decisions are made. You can define in advance what medical treatment you prefer.

An Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) 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 to make care and treatment decisions on your behalf, and give instructions about your health care wishes.

• California Advance Health Care Directive Form in English and Spanish (This link will redirect you to another web site. Be sure to hit the "Back" button to return to the Sutter Lakeside Hospital web site.)

Who should get copies of the completed form?
Copies of the completed form should be given to each person named as agent, or proxy, and to your primary care physician so that it can be added to your medical record.

While state law requires certain provisions to appear in your health care directive, there is no single form in use to document your wishes. These forms are from the California Hospitals Association.