Important Legal Documents

There are several documents available to record health care wishes for you or your loved one who may become unable to make decisions due to illness or incapacity.

Advance directive

Where can I get an advance health care directive form?

For those patients who have been admitted to Stanford Hospital, advance care directives are available through Guest Services at 650-498-3333. You may also pick up an advance directive from the Health Library at no charge.

Physician orders for life-sustaining treatment (POLST)

POLST translates a patient's goals for care at the end of life into medical orders to be followed by medical professionals. POLST is a legal document that allows doctors to assess and convey the wishes of patients at advanced ages, or with serious illnesses.

POLST is a relatively new document that updates the traditional DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) form and provides additional instructions about what interventions are acceptable.

Durable power of attorney (DPOA)

As a caregiver, you should be aware that there are limits to what information you can access without written legal permission. A power of attorney grants you the right to make legally binding decisions for the person who grants you that authority. Power of attorney can be granted for healthcare and for finances, allowing you to step in when necessary.

A DPOA for health care or finances stays in effect even if the person granting the authority can no longer make decisions, either temporarily or permanently. A DPOA ensures end-of-life wishes and financial allocations are followed.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Make sure a HIPPA release is signed as a patient's medical information will remain private without a release, even with a DPOA.