Advance directives

Advance directives are documents such as living will, medical and mental health power of attorney and prehospital do not resuscitate directive, help ensure that your family understands your wishes — and follows them — in the event something happens to you.
 

Who should have an advance directive?

We recommend that all adults complete an advance directive.


Follow these steps to get started:

 

1. Complete the forms


There are many different forms, some require a witness and some require a notary, but both are legally acceptable in Arizona. The selection of a form should be based on what you feel most comfortable completing.

Visit prepareforyourcare.org, a free resource and website that can walk you through step by step to complete an advance directive and has options for any state.

The state of Arizona also offers a comprehensive list of Advance Care planning forms. Visit azag.gov to find resources.
 

Have you already completed an advance directive?

Bring a copy into your physician’s office to have it scanned into your medical chart.


Arizona Healthcare Directives Registry allows you to file the completed forms with the registry, so they are accessible to healthcare providers in Arizona in case of an emergency.
 

2. Share your completed advance directive


Once you complete the documents, ensure that the people you have named as your medical power attorney have a copy.

Speak to your health care provider if you have questions.