Medical procedures have come a long way from what they used to be. They have started using technologies like VR, robotics, and artificial organs, which seemed impossible before.
But with these technologies comes the risk, and whether you are comfortable undergoing them is a big decision. A decision you should never leave to an attorney, a healthcare professional, or even known ones. It's your health and life, so the decision should be according to your wishes.
And that's where the California advance health care directive comes in handy. Let's look at what this form is and how it helps with a medical decision in case of a tragedy.
What is a California Advance Directive?
The advance directive form is like a power of attorney paper, which allows you to select someone to decide for you. Just in this case, you take into account your medical health and the decision related to it.
In more simple words, it's a document with advance directions about your healthcare decisions. It lets you express your feelings or wishes that your friend or loved one can use when you cannot communicate.
It also states the person you would like to appoint as the legal decision-maker for you. And the medical institute, attorney, or anyone related to your medical care will have to embrace their decision.
When Will You Use an Advance Directive in California?
The California advance directive was created with the increasing risk of new medical treatments. It's kind of an advance version of a living will, and anyone can use it. It was developed specifically for old-aged people who have a risk of sudden illness.
However, currently, the advance health care directive form is available for anyone with a terminal illness that can interfere with their decision-making.
Let's understand it with an example of someone with kidney failure risk. Now, the person can collapse at any time and won't be in a position to make a decision. This person can use the California advance health care directive to present his/her wishes to the one deciding for him.
You can also get the directive as a preventive measure against a sudden incident or an accident. It won't be much effective for a minor injury and comes into action only in life-threatening situations. And it's purely your choice to get one or not.
However, it's a must to consider for people with the following medical issues:
- Blood pressure
- Heart damage or history of heart attack
- High cholesterol
- Alzheimer's or Parkinson
- Organ damage
- Cancer
- Motor neuron diseases
- Lung problem
People going through a life-threatening procedure can also sign up for California advance directives.
How to Fill Out an Advance Directive in California?
- Connect a representative who aids you in getting a diplomatic view of your condition and balance your emotions while making the decision.
- Next, download the form, which is available on the state's website and on the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization site. Fill out the details such as your health condition, connected representative, your view on organ donation, and execution terms.
- Once filled, get it signed by two witnesses who are well-versed with your condition are not nominees of your property after your death.
- Now, while some states demand getting this form notarized, others do not. So, check your state’s rule and get it legally attested, if required.
- Then, get a few copies of the form and share them with your healthcare services, representative, and family members. You can also ask your doctor to scan and upload it on your medical chart. Besides, it is a good idea to keep the original copy in an accessible location and even consider getting a wallet-sized card indicating you have a directive and your representative’s details.
That’s it. You are ready to utilize the perks of this form.
Also, keep it in your mind that you can modify the form anytime, be it in terms of medical conditions, relationships, and hired representatives. Just make sure that you destroy all the copies of the older directives before putting the new form into practice.
Conclusion
An advance healthcare directive form is a big relief for both you and your loved one. It will ensure that they know your wishes and don't feel responsible for your healthcare decision.
It lets you decide what's best for you rather than depending on someone to blindly take a stand for you. Thus, if you are going for a risky procedure or have a terminal disease, opt for this form.
And if possible, use recognized services for this part. You don't want to end up with paperwork that the county or the medical institute doesn't consider valid.
