It is often difficult for people to think about the care and treatment they want in the event they are incapable of making their own health care decisions. However, completing an Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) is important for all individuals over 18 years of age, as they may unexpectedly be in a position in which they cannot speak for themselves due to an accident or illness.

An AHCD allows an individual to appoint an agent (a person can have more than one agent) who has power of attorney to make care and treatment decisions on his or her behalf, as well as give instructions about the person’s health care wishes. Individuals should keep a copy of the completed form and give a copy to their agent or proxy, as well as their primary care physician so the form can be placed in their medical record.

Free AHCD counseling is provided by registered nurse health educators at PAMF’s Community Health Resource Centers (CHRCs) in Fremont, Dublin and Palo Alto, and at the Mountain View Center.

Call one of the CHRC locations for assistance:

Dublin Center: 925-875-6150
Fremont Center: 510-623-2231
Mountain View Center: 650-934-7380
Palo Alto Center: 650-614-3200

The AHCD form is available online via the PAMF Web site.