It can be hard to talk about what might happen if you become very unwell, but it will give you and your loved ones peace of mind knowing that your wishes can be known and respected.

To get started

1. Think about your future health care preferences and who might make decisions on your behalf.
2. Discuss possible future health care situations with your doctor.
3. Talk about your future health care preferences with your family and friends.
4. Decide your future health care preferences and let your family and friends know.

The following steps are suggested

• Appoint someone you trust to represent you for personal/health matters if you are unable to speak for yourself by completing an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA).
• Record your preferences by completing a Statement of Choices and/or Advance Health Directive (AHD)
• Keep your original documents
• Share copies of your advance care planning documents with anyone who may need to be involved in decisions about your future health care such as family members, close friends and your doctors.
• Send a copy of your completed advance care planning document(s) to the Office of Advance Care Planning so they can add it to your secure Queensland Health electronic hospital record.
• If you wish your documents to be in My Health Record only you can upload them via the My Health Record website.

Remember:

• Review your advance care planning documents regularly.
• Advance care planning is entirely voluntary.
• You can change your mind and your written documents at any time while you can make decisions.
• Advance care planning documents will only be used if you are unable to make or communicate your decisions.

You can choose

As part of your advance care plan, you can choose to complete the following forms:

Statement of Choices

This form focuses on your wishes, values and beliefs. It will be used in discussions between your doctors and those close to you if you are unable to make those decisions yourself. It provides comfort for you and your loved ones to know your choices in advance so they can be respected. This form must be signed by you (Form A) or a substitute decision maker (Form B) and also your doctor. Read more and download the Statement of Choices form.

Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA)

This legally binding form appoints a family member or friend (you can nominate more than one), who is called your attorney(s), to make important decisions for you when you are unable to do so. You must sign the form and your signature must be formally witnessed by a Justice of the Peace, Commissioner of Declarations, Lawyer or Notary Public. Each attorney must sign the form to accept your power. You can read more and download the Enduring Power of Attorney form online from the Department of Justice and Attorney-General.

The Enduring Power of Attorney forms are currently under review by the Department of Justice and Attorney General.  The existing forms are still valid for use. 

Advance Health Directive (AHD)

This legally binding form records your decisions and your consent for future health care in specific situations for a time when you may be unable to communicate. It must be signed by you and your doctor and your signature must be formally witnessed by a Justice of the Peace, Commissioner of Declarations, Lawyer or Notary Public. You can read more and download the Advance Health Directive form online from the Department of Justice and Attorney-General.

The Advance Health Directive form is currently under review by the Department of Justice and Attorney General. This form is still valid for use.

Interpreter’s/Translator’s Statement form

If an interpreter/translator is involved in the signing of an Advance Health Directive (AHD) or Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) document, they must:

• be a qualified interpreter/translator registered with the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters
• complete an Interpreter’s/Translator’s Statement form and add this to the original document.

The Office of Advance Care Planning is here to help

We can:

• post an advance care planning information pack to you
• give you information over the phone to answer your questions
• give contact details for someone in your area who may be able to meet with you to talk about your preferences and help you complete advance care planning documents
• add your completed advance care planning documents to your secure Queensland Health electronic hospital record so that your wishes are available if required. 

Contact

Office of Advance Care Planning
PO Box 2274, Runcorn Qld 4113
Phone: 1300 007 227
Fax: 1300 008 227
Email: acp@health.qld.gov.au