Your doctor, close family members, and any appointed medical decision-maker should have a copy. This ensures your wishes are known and can be followed by healthcare providers in line with Australian law.
Documenting your medical preferences.
Advance health directives allow you to record your preferences for medical treatment if you are unable to communicate your decisions in the future.
An advance health directive is a legal document that allows you to outline your medical treatment preferences if you are unable to make decisions for yourself. It provides guidance to doctors and loved ones about the care you would want in certain circumstances.
What is an advanced health directive?
This legal document outlines your instructions about medical treatment and healthcare decisions. It may include decisions about life-sustaining treatment, medical procedures, and other healthcare matters.
Having these instructions documented can provide clarity for your family and healthcare providers, helping ensure your wishes are respected.
We’re here to help
Moore Lawyers can assist in preparing an Advance Health Directive that clearly records your wishes and complies with legal requirements. We help ensure the document accurately reflects your preferences and is properly executed.
By planning ahead, you can reduce uncertainty for your loved ones and ensure your healthcare decisions are respected.
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Frequently asked
questions
Who should have a copy of my directive?
Can I make changes to my advanced health directive later?
Yes. As long as you have capacity, you can update, revoke, or replace your advanced health directive at any time. It’s important to communicate any changes to your healthcare providers and family.
Is an advanced health directive legally binding in Australia?
Yes. A properly executed advanced health directive is legally recognised and must be considered by medical professionals when making treatment decisions. Healthcare providers must follow your instructions unless doing so would cause serious harm or be inconsistent with law.