Join the movement. HaveTheTalk National Healthcare Decisions Day is raising awareness about advance care planning.

Get an Advance Directive

What is an advance directive? All adults can benefit from thinking about what their healthcare choices would be if they are unable to speak for themselves.  These decisions can be written down in an advance directive so that others know what they are.  Advance directives come in two main forms:

• A "healthcare power of attorney" (or "proxy" or "agent" or "surrogate") documents the person you select to be your voice for your healthcare decisions if you cannot speak for yourself. 
• A "living will" documents what kinds of medical treatments you would or would not want at the end of life.

How can I learn more about advance directives/advance care planning?

The links below explore a variety of resources to help you make, discuss and document future healthcare wishes and decisions. 

• AARP: End-of-Life Planning
• Aging with Dignity: Five Wishes
• American Bar Association: Tool kit for Health Care Advance Planning; 10 Legal Myths about Advance Medical Directive  
• American Health Lawyers Association: Guide to Legal Issues in Life Limiting Conditions 
• American Hospital Association: Put It In Writing
• Caring Connections: Advance Care Planning; Financial Information; Planning Ahead Checklist; Free Brochures
• Center for Practical Bioethics: Caring Conversations Workbook  
• National Association of Social Workers: Advance Care Planning and Psychiatric Advance Directives 
• Organ Donation Choices: www.organdonor.gov or www.donatelife.net