Health Care Decisions

Considering your future health care options is important and not a process limited to the elderly or sick. Sudden illness or accidents can happen to anyone at any age so it is important to make your wishes known. If you are unable to speak, who will make important health care decisions for you? In the state of California, any resident age 18 years or older, of sound mind and acting of his or her own free will can complete an Advance Health Care Directive.

Advance Directives allow you to state your health care desires and appoint a health care "agent" who will have legal authority to make health care decisions on your behalf should you ever become seriously ill or injured and unable to speak or make decisions for yourself.

Visit our Advance Directive and POLST Form page to learn more and to download an Advance Health Care Directive Form. Visit the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization at www.caringinfo.org for help with bringing up this often difficult conversation and making sure your health care wishes are known.

The Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment Form (POLST Form) gives seriously-ill patients more control over their end-of-life care.

Learn more at www.capolst.org.

Note: This is intended for informational purposes only. If you have questions, please consult with your physician, lawyer, social worker, or other appropriate person.