Executive Office on Aging

What is an Advance Healthcare Directive (AHCD) also known as an Advance Directive (AD)?

An Advance Directive is a written statement designating an agent to make health care decisions if you are unable to make healthcare decisions for yourself and includes instructions for end-of-life decisions.

Why should I have an Advance Directive?

Creating an Advance Directive helps ensure that:

• Your medical wishes are known and respected
• A trusted person can make health care decisions for you if needed
• Your family and loved ones experience less stress when making difficult decisions
• You maintain control over your future health care

Advance Directive (AD) Brochure

This brochure provides helpful information about Advance Directives, including:

• A checklist to help you get started
• The importance of creating an Advance Directive
• Information about what the form includes
• Instructions on how to complete the document

Download the brochure (English)
View brochures in 13 languages

Hawai‘i Advance Health Care Directive Form

Electronic signatures are not accepted.

Fillable form (type into fields before printing)
Printable form (complete by hand)

What is the difference between an Advance Directive and POLST?

An Advance Directive (AD) and a Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form are both used to document your wishes for medical care. However, they serve different purposes and are typically used at different stages of health care planning.

A comparison chart is available to help explain the differences and when each document may be appropriate.

Learn more on the webpage
Download the comparison chart (PDF)

Related Resources

• Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST)