Frequently Asked Questions

1.   Is it necessary to have an attorney to make an Advance Directive legal?

No. However, if you already have one, it is a good idea to discuss your Advance Directive and provide a copy to your attorney.  

2.   If I already have a Living Will, do I still need an Advance Directive?

Yes, unless you have also filled out a separate form to name an agent to speak for you. Even if you have both, you might want to replace them with an Advance Directive that reflects your more recent wishes in one convenient document. You will want to notify anyone who had your previous document and send them the replacement.

3.   What should I do with my Advance Directive when it is completed?

Make copies and give them to your agent(s) named in the document, and to other appropriate people, such as family members, doctor, clergy and attorney. Check with your local hospital to see if they will keep a copy. Take a copy with you if you are hospitalized. In Santa Cruz, you can place your Advance Directive on file at Dominican Hospital. Send it to the Health Information Department, 1555 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062. Be sure to include your name address, date of birth, social security number, religious preference and marital status. You can also fax it. If you have questions, call Dominican Hospital Health Information Department.

4.   Can I change or revoke my Advance Directive?

Yes. You can change it any time, either verbally or in writing. If there are major changes, for example, a change in your agent, you should make a new Advance Directive and have it witnessed.

5.   Can anyone witness my Advance Directive?

No. The people you have named as agents, your healthcare provider, and anyone under 18 cannot witness the document.   In California, only one of the two witnesses may be a family member or someone who might benefit financially by your death. Some states have other requirements. Be sure to read the form carefully.

6.   How does a DNR (do not resuscitate) form differ from an Advance Directive?

Usually, an Advance Directive will not prevent an emergency medical response team or a hospital physician from administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if the person's heart beat or breathing has stopped. If you wish not to be resuscitated under these circumstances, a separate document, called a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate), is necessary, and must be approved by your doctor.

You can get the form online and download a form in either Microsoft Word format or in Adobe PDF format. You may contact the Californiia state website at www.emsa.ca.gov and leave a request to have a form mailed to you, or call (916) 322-4336.

7.   Can I reject artificial feeding (e.g. tube feeding of food and water)?

Yes, you may request that this or any other treatments, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation or a mechanical breathing machine, not be used.

8.  How can I explain my wishes without going into a lot of medical detail?

Medical treatments are always evolving, and the risks and benefits of any given procedure can depend on your overall health.  It is more helpful to describe your values and beliefs, and how they would shape your decisions.  For example, do you have particular faith beliefs that pertain to death and dying? How important is quality of life to you?  Under what circumstances would you feel that being allowed to die naturally would be preferable to the burdens of having your life prolonged? Think about how you would fill in these blanks:   "As long as I am able to ______, I want to keep living.  If I am not able to _____, I do not want to be kept alive. "

9.   How long will my Advance Directive be in effect?  

Your Advance Directive is effective until your death. However, it is a good idea to review it periodically and initial and re-date it, to be sure it still represents your wishes. If there are major changes to be made, you should make a new directive. Be sure to discuss any major changes with your agent(s), family members, and physician. Remember, it will only be used if you cannot communicate for yourself.

Advance Care Planning Presentations in Santa Cruz County

See our Calendar for information about upcoming Advance Directive or other advance care planning presentations available in Santa Cruz County. The Coalition offers citizens help in completing Advance Directive forms. Presentations are made in workplace settings, community venues, and at occasional Make Your Wishes Known gatherings held in private homes. If you would like to request a presentation, please contact us.