By Helene Wenzel

Q: I recently changed my health care provider and went to see my new doctor.  On my first appointment she asked me if I had an Advance Health Care Directive. What is it; why should I have it; and how do I get it?

A: Without comment on your former doctor’s practices, your new doctor is obviously more responsible and concerned about your well-being. Here’s what you need to know. If you haven’t time to read all, skip to the next-to-the-last paragraph for the practical information.

Prior to 2000, California had a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care form which basically authorized a person (“agent”) nominated by you to make health care decisions for you when you lost the capacity to do so. These DPAHCs were effective for a limited period of time after which they expired automatically. Any DPAHC executed in...