What is an Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) and why do I need one?

An Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) is a legal document that lets you express your health care wishes in advance and appoint someone you trust to make medical decisions if you become incapacitated. You need an AHCD to ensure that your preferences are followed when you cannot speak for yourself, avoiding confusion or disputes among family members.

Unlike an AHCD, POLST forms and DNR orders are medical documents, prepared by doctors, not attorneys. A POLST gives detailed instructions about emergency treatments, and a DNR instructs medical personnel not to perform CPR.

In short: An AHCD protects your rights and ensures your medical decisions are respected, while POLST and DNR forms provide specific guidance to healthcare providers in emergencies.