Contra Costa California Legal Guide to Advance Directives for Health Care is a comprehensive resource that provides detailed information and guidance on creating and understanding advance directives relating to healthcare decisions in Contra Costa County, California, United States. This guide aims to help individuals make informed decisions about their medical care and assist them in documenting their preferences for future treatment. The Contra Costa California Legal Guide to Advance Directives for Health Care covers various types of advance directives available to individuals, ensuring their healthcare preferences are respected even if they are unable to communicate or make decisions for themselves. This essential guide includes information on the following types of advance directives: 1. Living Will: This type of advance directive allows individuals to outline their preferences for life-sustaining medical treatments and end-of-life care. It provides detailed instructions regarding the use of medical interventions such as CPR, artificial nutrition, and hydration. 2. Medical Power of Attorney: This advance directive allows individuals to appoint a trusted person, known as a healthcare agent or proxy, to make healthcare decisions on their behalf when they are unable to do so. The guide provides information on selecting a suitable healthcare agent and defining their decision-making authority. 3. Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders: A DNR order is a medical directive that instructs healthcare providers not to perform CPR in case of cardiac arrest. The Contra Costa California Legal Guide offers information on how to incorporate DNR orders into advance directives. In addition to explaining the above advance directives, the guide also covers essential topics such as the importance of advance care planning, legal requirements specific to Contra Costa County, and frequently asked questions to address common concerns and misconceptions. By consulting the Contra Costa California Legal Guide to Advance Directives for Health Care, individuals can gain a thorough understanding of their rights, options, and the necessary steps to ensure their healthcare wishes are carried out. It serves as a valuable resource for residents of Contra Costa County seeking to take control of their medical decisions and secure peace of mind for themselves and their loved ones.
Para su conveniencia, debajo del texto en español le brindamos la versión completa de este formulario en inglés. For your convenience, the complete English version of this form is attached below the Spanish version.