Updated October 22, 2023
A California advance health care directive allows an individual to choose an agent to make medical decisions on their behalf and select end-of-life treatment options. An advance directive combines a medical power of attorney and a living will. It is recommended to be completed by elderly individuals and those seeking high-risk medical procedures.
The main purpose is to allow loved ones to make medical decisions on a person’s behalf and to outline their preferred life-saving treatment options. It is a combination of a medical power of attorney and a living will.
Advance Directive Includes
- Part 1. Power of Attorney for Health Care
- Part 2. Instructions for Health Care
- Part 3. Donation of Organs, Tissues, and Parts at Death
- Part 4. Primary Physician
- Part 5. Signature
- Part 6. Special Witness Requirement
Table of Contents |
Laws
- Statute – PROB § 4701
- Signing Requirements (PROB § 4701) – Two (2) witnesses or a notary public.
- State Definition (PROB § 4605) – “Advance health care directive” or “advance directive” means either an individual health care instruction or a power of attorney for health care.”
Registering
An individual can register an advance directive by completing the Registration Form (SFL-461), attaching a check for $10 (payable to the “Secretary of State”), and sending to:
Secretary of State
Special Filings Unit
P.O. Box 942870
Sacramento, CA
94277-2870
Versions (5)
Download: PDF
2. California Attorney General
Download: PDF
3. California Hospital Association
Download: English, Spanish (español)
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Related Forms
Durable (Financial) Power of Attorney
Download: PDF
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