Advance Directive In Arizona
Daryl’s family rushed to the emergency room when they got the call. He’d had a major stroke and was unable to communicate with anyone. His daughter remembered that Daryl mentioned signing estate planning documents. No one knew where he kept them, though, or the name of the attorney he used. Precious moments would have been lost while they tried to figure out who could make decisions for Daryl. Fortunately for Daryl’s family, someone had told him how to register his advance directive with the state.
An advance directive can be one or more of the following documents:
- Either a health care or medical power of attorney where the person signing names someone to make medical decisions for them;
- A mental health care power of attorney that, while similar to the health care power of attorney, addresses mental health treatment only; or
- A Living Will that states how the person signing wants to handle end-of-life treatment.
So, why would you want to register this type of document online?
Easy access for health care providers. Doctors and other medical personnel can look up a patient’s records on the directory. But they can’t use your directive if you don’t have one or haven’t registered it.
How To Register Your Advance Directive
It takes a little time, but registering your advance directives saves time and energy for your medical providers and loved ones. It’s also easy to do:
- Prepare one or more of the documents listed above. Make sure the documents are witnessed or notarized, if necessary.
- Print the Registration Agreement from the Advance Directive Registry website.
- Complete the form, following the instructions carefully.
- Make a legible copy of your advance directive(s) and paper clip to the registration agreement.
- Sign and date the Registration Agreement, then submit by mail or in person:
Arizona Healthcare Directives Registry – AzHDR
Contexture (an umbrella organization for Health Current)
2901 N. Central Ave., Ste. 1100
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: (602) 368-6371
Fax: 602-264-8823
Email: info@azhdr.org
Website: www.azhdr.org
Once the verification is on record, you’re good to go. Keep your wallet card with you at all times. It’s also a good idea to let your family know you’ve taken this important step.
Make Sure Your Estate Plan Is Complete & Up To Date
The attorneys at the Keystone Law Firm know how to help you make thoughtful decisions about your estate plan. Call us at(480) 418-8448 to set up an appointment. We offer services for clients throughout Arizona, including Chandler, Gilbert, Sun Lakes, Tempe, Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Apache Junction.
