ADVANCED HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVES ATTORNEY IN CATHEDRAL CITY, CALIFORNIA

An AHCD, Advanced Health Care Directive, can allow you to state your medical wishes to your entrusted agent in the event you are incapacitated and are unable to communicate. This is an important element of a comprehensive estate plan because it gives rights to your entrusted “agent”. Your "agent" can make various decisions for your health care regarding life-sustaining medical interventions.

Your agent you assign can be a family member, friend, or spouse. This person will have full legal authority to make decisions regarding your medical care even if other friends & family members disagree. The agent is legally bound, via your advanced health care directive, to carry out your wishes regardless of what others may want.

An AHCD can be revoked at any time by you. Otherwise, it will remain unless a termination date is specified.

There are many reasons you can probably think of to set up an advanced health care directive, but it’s the reasons & circumstances that you haven’t considered that can ultimately cause concern & family conflict. Contact us today to discuss the specifics of an AHCD.

An important component of an Advanced Health Care Directive is a HIPPA Release. HIPPA stands for the Health Insurance Privacy and Portability Act of 1996. This important piece of legislation states that no one can have access to your medical records without your permission.

However, it is critical that your health care agent has access to your records in order to make an informed decision about your health care. Accordingly, you must sign a HIPPA Release to give your agent access to your medical records.

If you need assistance setting up an AHCD or any estate planning services, contact the Law Office of Robert L. Firth. We are located in Cathedral City and the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Desert Hot Springs, Rancho Mirage, Yucca Valley, 29 Palms, Blythe, El Centro, Menifee, and Riverside.