Catholic Advanced Health Care Directives for the State of California

An “Advance Health Care Directive” lets your physician, family and friends know your health care preferences, including the types of special treatments you want at the end of life, your desire for diagnostic testing, surgical procedures, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and organ donation.

By considering your options early, you can ensure the quality of life that is important to you and avoid having your family “guess” your wishes or having to make critical medical care decisions for you under stress or in emotional turmoil.

Under state law, you have a legal right to express your health care wishes and to have them considered in situations when you are unable to make these decisions yourself. Use this form to notify your loved ones of your wishes should you be unable to make your own medical decisions.

Information on and copies of the Catholic Advanced Health Care Directive available on the Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles web page: https://old.la-archdiocese.org/Pages/Publications/AHCD.aspx
This is the only legal Catholic Advanced Health Care Directive approved for the State of California and approved by the California Conference of Catholic Bishops. Click here for a defintions sheet that will help you better understand the document. 

“Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services” (Sixth Edition) and additional Church documents and guidance can be found on the website of the USCCB: http://www.usccb.org/about/doctrine/ethical-and-religious-directives/index.cfm

Advance Health Care Directive (ENG)
Advance Health Care Directive (ESP)

Glossary of Terms

Watch for other helpful information regarding end of life issues in the near future.