Life planning · British Columbia
Advance directive, with a lawyer behind it.
An advance directive records your choices about medical treatments, such as CPR or a breathing machine, for a time when you can't speak for yourself. It is made under BC law.
- $99
- Tax at checkout.
- 15 minutes
- Stop and come back any time.
What an advance directive is
An advance directive is a written statement of your choices about health care, for a time when you can't decide for yourself. It can give or refuse consent to treatments such as CPR, a breathing machine, tube or intravenous feeding, dialysis, antibiotics for a life-threatening infection, or blood transfusions.
When a valid directive applies, a health care provider may not give care that it refuses. There are limits. A provider can set aside instructions that do not fit the decision at hand or are too unclear. A provider can also set them aside if your wishes changed significantly while you were capable. Many people talk with their doctor or nurse practitioner first, so they understand what each treatment involves.
Why you'd need one
If you can't make health care decisions, someone else has to consent for you. Without a directive, family or a person chosen under the law may have to guess what you would want. A directive puts your choices in writing, in your own name, while you are able to make them.
It works alongside a representation agreement. If you have both, your representative treats the directive as your wishes. A directive does not choose who decides for you. That is what a representation agreement is for.
What it can't do, and when to see a lawyer
An advance directive covers health care only. It does not cover personal care, such as where you live. It cannot ask for medical assistance in dying, because federal law does not allow that kind of request in advance. It does not cover psychiatric treatment under the Mental Health Act. An instruction to do something the law prohibits is ignored.
You must be 19 or older and capable of understanding the directive. You sign on paper, in person, in front of two witnesses or one lawyer or notary public of British Columbia. A witness cannot be paid to give you personal care, health care or financial services.
Talk to a lawyer if a court has appointed someone to manage your affairs, if anyone is pressuring you, or if you cannot sign yourself.