Advance Directive refers to the patient's oral and written instructions about future medical care, in the event that the patient is not able to communicate these instructions. Some examples include a living will, and Do Not Resuscitate orders. An Advance Directive provides guidance to your family, friends and healthcare providers on your care.

For more information on Advance Directives contact NMCSD, Legal Department at (619) 532-6475 Monday-Friday, 0800-1600.


Advanced Directives will allow your agent to:

• Consent or refuse consent to any care, treatment, service, or procedure to maintain, diagnose, or otherwise affect a physical or mental condition
• Select or discharge health care providers and institutions
• Approve or disapprove diagnostic tests, surgical procedures, and programs of medication
• Direct the provision, withholding, or withdrawal of artificial nutrition and hydration and all other forms of health care, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Donate organs or tissues, authorize an autopsy, and direct disposition of remains

Your agent cannot:

• Commit you to a mental health facility
• Consent to convulsive treatment, psychosurgery, sterilization, or abortion

You can revoke your Advanced Directive at any time.

If you have an Advanced Directive you must give a copy to your provider, or any healthcare provider, where it will be filed in your outpatient and/or inpatient medical record should you be hospitalized.