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What is an Advanced Health Care Directive, a.k.a., Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care?

Written by: Dennis Pearce Kelly

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Posted almost 3 years ago. 0 helpful votes, 0 comments

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What is an Advanced Health Care Directive? How does it work?

This document is just what its name implies: In this document you name an Agent and one or two alternate Agents to stand in your shoes with your authority to authorize medical care/procedures or withhold authorization of such care/procedures. This document represents the maximum leverage available in California to deal with the problem of having one’s death prolonged. For medical issues *in some cases* it should be accompanied by a DNR, a do-not-resuscitate order.

Where/How do I do an Advanced Health Care Directive

These forms are available from various sources and are often free: Office Supply Store; Family Doctor; Your HMO; Online (Do a search, but be State specific). Pay close attention to whether the form requires witnesses or a Notary Public or both. Also, be ware of using *disqualified* witnesses (for this see the instructions accompanying the form).