YES! Everyone over the age of 18 living in California should have an Advance Health Care Directive ("AHCD"). The AHCD allows you to do these 3 things:
1. Appoint a health care agent who will have authority to make health care decisions for you if you are no longer able to communicate;
2. Give written instructions to your health care agent regarding end of life decisions (formerly known as the "living will");
3. Give written instructions regarding after-death decisions (organ donation, funeral and burial wishes).
Without an AHCD, these critical decisions may end up being made by people that do not understand your wishes. Ask your estate planning attorney about the AHCD. This is not an expensive document to prepare, and it should be a part of everyone's estate plan. A copy of your signed and witnessed AHCD should be given to your health care agent(s), your health provider(s) and to your attorney. A HIPAA release should also be prepared along with the AHCD to allow your health care agent access to your medical records in case of an emergency.
