Section 4701 Of Chapter 2. Advance Health Care Directive Forms From California Probate Code >> Division 4.7. >> Part 2. >> Chapter 2.
4701
. The statutory advance health care directive form is as
follows:
ADVANCE HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE
(California Probate Code Section 4701)
Explanation
You have the right to give instructions about your own health
care. You also have the right to name someone else to make health
care decisions for you. This form lets you do either or both of these
things. It also lets you express your wishes regarding donation of
organs and the designation of your primary physician. If you use this
form, you may complete or modify all or any part of it. You are free
to use a different form.
Part 1 of this form is a power of attorney for health care. Part 1
lets you name another individual as agent to make health care
decisions for you if you become incapable of making your own
decisions or if you want someone else to make those decisions for you
now even though you are still capable. You may also name an
alternate agent to act for you if your first choice is not willing,
able, or reasonably available to make decisions for you. (Your agent
may not be an operator or employee of a community care facility or a
residential care facility where you are receiving care, or your
supervising health care provider or employee of the health care
institution where you are receiving care, unless your agent is
related to you or is a coworker.)
Unless the form you sign limits the authority of your agent, your
agent may make all health care decisions for you. This form has a
place for you to limit the authority of your agent. You need not
limit the authority of your agent if you wish to rely on your agent
for all health care decisions that may have to be made. If you choose
not to limit the authority of your agent, your agent will have the
right to:
(a) Consent or refuse consent to any care, treatment, service, or
procedure to maintain, diagnose, or otherwise affect a physical or
mental condition.
(b) Select or discharge health care providers and institutions.
(c) Approve or disapprove diagnostic tests, surgical procedures,
and programs of medication.
(d) Direct the provision, withholding, or withdrawal of artificial
nutrition and hydration and all other forms of health care,
including cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
(e) Make anatomical gifts, authorize an autopsy, and direct
disposition of remains.
Part 2 of this form lets you give specific instructions about any
aspect of your health care, whether or not you appoint an agent.
Choices are provided for you to express your wishes regarding the
provision, withholding, or withdrawal of treatment to keep you alive,
as well as the provision of pain relief. Space is also provided for
you to add to the choices you have made or for you to write out any
additional wishes. If you are satisfied to allow your agent to
determine what is best for you in making end-of-life decisions, you
need not fill out Part 2 of this form.
Part 3 of this form lets you express an intention to donate your
bodily organs and tissues following your death.
Part 4 of this form lets you designate a physician to have primary
responsibility for your health care.
After completing this form, sign and date the form at the end. The
form must be signed by two qualified witnesses or acknowledged
before a notary public. Give a copy of the signed and completed form
to your physician, to any other health care providers you may have,
to any health care institution at which you are receiving care, and
to any health care agents you have named. You should talk to the
person you have named as agent to make sure that he or she
understands your wishes and is willing to take the responsibility.
You have the right to revoke this advance health care directive or
replace this form at any time.