Health Care Directives
Recently, a friend passed quite suddenly and unexpectedly. Without a Health Care Directive to turn to and without family nearby, decisions were made for him by a team of doctors. If one doctor prescribed a procedure, then two attending doctors had to agree before the procedure could be done. I must say that this did not cause his passing, but it did cause a few unnecessary delays. Do you want to take that chance with your own life? Do you want some stranger to decide if you receive heroic measures or not?

I am not an attorney, and I am NOT providing legal advice as to how to fill out the form, nor will I even recommend a specific form. I did a quick Google search and found this Health Care Directive Form for California (Spanish version also available) free online, so you might want to check it out. Your health insurance provider may also have free forms. If you have questions regarding how to fill out the form, you should contact either your health insurance provider or an attorney.

Health Care Directives must be signed by two witnesses or notarized. If you mention this Jack London News Story Jack London Mail will only charge $5 per notarized signature, versus the normal charge of $10 (sorry, only for HCD's). Remember, you should fill out all of the information on the directive prior to having it notarized. Wait to sign the document until the Notary says it is okay. The Notary Public will not provide any legal advice as per California law.
Posted 10/20/2005