Advance Health Care Directive

Advance Health Care Directives allow you to determine the kind of care you want if you are unable to decide for yourself. You may also select another trusted person to make decisions for you if you are incapacitated. Advance Health Care Directives are the accepted format for the State of California replacing the Living Will, Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Natural Death Act Declaration documents. California’s Advance Health Care Directive may not be accepted in other states.

It is a simple process to complete the forms. The most important part of the process is to discuss your wishes openly with your family and physicians. Give a copy of the Advance Health Care Directive to your physicians and make copies accessible to your family or friends. This way your expressed written wishes will be known and will be followed.

Forms and information are available at Health Links located in the West Tower of Torrance Memorial Medical Center, 3330 Lomita Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505.

Forms may be downloaded directly from this site by selecting one of the following options:

Advance Health Care Directive - English Version

Advance Health Care Directive - Spanish Version

More detailed information can be found at the following websites:
California Medical Association
California Coalition for Compassionate Care
Caring Connections