Terry Goddard Recommends Arizonans Use Advance Care Directives

(Phoenix, Ariz. – March 23, 2005)  Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard today reminded Arizona residents about the importance of having their wishes known about medical care should they become incapacitated.

“Recent news stories remind us how important it is to have your wishes known – for the family as well as the individual – to avoid the anguish we’ve been witnessing,” Goddard said.  “Having your wishes in writing protects your rights and wishes, and provides a valuable gift to your friends and family.”

The next most important step for families when making end of life decisions is to have a conversation so that the appointed representatives understand a person’s wishes, Goddard added.  This conversation is as important as having the documents completed. The Arizona Attorney General’s Office has a Life Care Planning Packet available to any Arizona resident interested in reviewing the types of forms that can be used to appoint representatives to act for you under health care powers of attorney.

The Life Care Planning Packet includes the following five legal forms:

  • Durable Health Care Power of Attorney 
  • Living Will (End of Life Care)
  • Pre-Hospital Medical Directive (Do Not Resuscitate)
  • Durable Mental Health Care Power of Attorney 
  • Letter to My Agent (Representative)

“The time to talk about these issues is sooner rather than later and when a person is healthy and can think clearly,” Goddard said.

The Life Care Planning packets are available by visiting the Attorney General’s Web site at www.azag.gov or contacting the Attorney General’s Office at 602-542-2124.