An advance directive is a legal document that allows you to plan ahead and make your own end-of life wishes known in the event that you are unable to communicate those wishes at some later time and/or appoint someone to make decisions for you. State law dictates what types of advance directives are recognized in the state. California recognizes two types of advanced directives, including:
- Power of Attorney for Health Care which allows you to appoint someone to make health care decisions for you if your primary doctor determines that you lack the ability to understand the nature and consequences of your health care decisions or the ability to make and communicate your health care decisions.
- Individual Instructions which is California’s version of a Living Will. In this you can state your wishes with regard to health care in the event you can no longer speak for yourself.
