Advance Directive - FAQ
Advance health care directives are written instructions to your loved ones and medical team about the type of medical treatment and health care that you would like to receive in the event that you are unable to speak directly with your health care providers. Because these instructions are made before the medical treatment and health care are actually needed, they are often referred to as “advance directives.”
An agent is a relative or friend who you trust to make medical decisions for you if you cannot make them yourself.
This is a very important question. You should think very carefully about whom you want to be your agent. Whomever you decide to name as your agent under your durable power of attorney for health care, it should be someone you know very well. It should also be someone you respect and someone whose judgment you value. The person you name as your agent should be somewhat knowledgeable about medical issues, although it’s not necessary that this person have any medical training.
This person should also have a good understanding of who you are and what your values and wishes are. After all, this person could be stepping into your shoes to make the very difficult medical decisions that you would have to make for yourself if you were able to do so. This individual also has to be over the age of 18.
Yes. You can appoint as many agents as you would like; however, if you appoint more than one agent, then you should specify whether each agent can act separately or whether they all must act together. There are advantages and disadvantages to having one or two agents. Requiring your agents to act together can safeguard the soundness of their decisions, but it may be difficult for them to come to an agreement on all decisions.
If any one of them can make decisions for you, that may be much easier to get things done, but it also may cause serious disagreements among them if they are not told in advance. Another option is to appoint only one agent, with another named as an alternate in case the first named agent is unable to act for you. Regardless of which option you choose, it is important to have conversations with each person before you appoint them as your agent to ensure that they are aware and in agreement with being your durable power of attorney for health care.
- One or more of the sections is completed
- The form is signed and dated by you, the patient. The form can be signed by another adult at the request of the patient and in the patient’s presence.
- The form is properly witnessed
- Your signature in Part 5 must be witnessed, by either two witnesses or notarized by a notary public. The witnesses can only include one blood relative and your power of attorney cannot serve as a witness or any City of Hope employee.
- At City of Hope we have free notary services, you can arrange for an appointment by going to the Biller Patient and Family Resource center and request an appointment or by calling 626-218-CARE (2273). Your assigned social worker will be notified to review the document before it is notarized.
- Provide a copy to your agent(s) and keep one for yourself.
- Provide a copy to Medical Records at City of Hope. It will be electronically attached to your medical record.
- Provide a copy to all other medical facilities where you receive care.
There is no time limit for these documents. Generally they will last until you change them or terminate them. You may change them at any time and update the form from time to time by simply completing new documents. It is always a good idea to destroy your old documents so that they aren’t confused with your new ones. You may also terminate them at any time by:
- Signing a written statement to that effect.
- Destroying the original and all copies.
- Telling at least two people that you are terminating them.
- Completing a new advance health care directive.
No. You are not required to have any of these. But, one or more of them is a good way to ensure that your wishes are known if you're ever in a situation where you are unable to speak for yourself. If your wishes are known, then your healthcare team will know what procedures to follow and your family and friends will be spared the agony of second-guessing what you would have wanted.
Yes. That decision is entirely up to you. But, it’s an important decision that should be discussed with your loved ones and your health care team. Some people feel comfortable making a living will, while many others do not. Talk with your doctor regarding your medical condition in addition to family and friends to determine what is best for you.
To discuss questions in regards to completing your advance health care directive, contact the Biller Patient and Family Resource Center at 626-218-CARE (2273). Your assigned social worker will then be notified to assist you.
You can ask your doctor, nurse or clinical social worker for the form or you can get a copy at the Sheri & Les Biller Patient and Family Resource Center at City of Hope. You can also access and print this.
City of Hope Advance Directive forms can be found online in English, Spanish and Chinese. You also have the option of completing your Advance Directive on Prepare for Your Care where you can view testimonials and a step by step guide to help you complete an Advance Directive.
You are encouraged to discuss your advanced health care needs with the doctor who is treating you and other members of your healthcare team who are involved in your care. The more medical staff you discuss this with the better informed you can be about how you want your medical care needs met. When completing the form you can ask your health care team for clarification in any area. The Department of Supportive Care Medicine has many disciplines here to discuss this important matter with you. You can also schedule an appointment with your assigned social worker and get direction and guidance.
To find out who your assigned Clinical Social Worker is, please call the Division of Clinical Social Work at 626-218-2282.