A healthcare directive guides others on your medical decisions if you can’t speak for yourself. Making one empowers you and gives your loved ones clarity. But life changes can affect your wishes. That means checking in on your directive regularly matters. Without updates, old information might lead to choices you no longer support.
After major life changes
Significant events like marriage, divorce, or becoming a parent affect your priorities. Your choices about who makes decisions or what treatments you want may shift. An update ensures your current circumstances are reflected accurately. Life’s changes are personal, and your directive should stay in step with them.
When your health evolves
A new diagnosis or shift in your health could change your medical preferences. You might change your preferences on life support, resuscitation, or pain management. Keeping your directive aligned with your health keeps your care relevant. As your condition progresses, your approach to care may also shift.
When laws or medical technologies change
Advances in medicine or updates to California laws can influence how you want care handled. For example, new options for palliative care or state-level changes in right-to-die laws may affect decisions. Ensuring your directive aligns with current options ensures clarity. Updated laws can also affect the validity of existing documents.
When trusted decision-makers change
People you name—like healthcare agents—should continue reflecting your trust. If a designated person becomes unavailable or your relationship changes, select someone who can honor your wishes reliably. Updating this assignment helps prevent confusion. It also reassures loved ones that your choices remain well-supported.
Every few years, as routine check
Having a set schedule—every two to five years—helps catch updates you might otherwise overlook. Even without major changes, this practice confirms your directive still matches your wishes and remains legally enforceable in California. Treat it like a routine checkup—quick, but important.
Your healthcare directive matters only when it accurately captures your current preferences. Regular reviews make sure it does. Keeping it up to date means your voice guides your care—no matter what.