Torrance - Advance Directives

The Advanced Health Care Directive lets you describe your wishes about the acceptance or refusal of various health care treatments and procedures. These may include:

•	Authorizing all treatments within the limits of generally accepted health care standards to prolong life as long as possible
•	Refusing life-prolonging treatments under specific conditions
•	Preferences regarding nutrition, hydration and pain control

The AHCD also gives you an option to express your wishes regarding appointment of a conservator or guardian, autopsy or funeral arrangements, as well as organ and tissue donation.

Before you complete the Advance Health Care Directive, take time to consider who you want to be your agent. Think carefully about your treatment wishes. It is very important to discuss these issues with your doctor and family members. You may also find it comforting to speak with your priest, minister, rabbi or other spiritual leader.

We’ll gladly answer your questions concerning advance directives.

If you already have an advance directive, please bring a copy with you when you’re admitted to the hospital, so you can discuss your wishes with your health care team. We’ll place your advanced directive in your medical chart.

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