What is Advance Care Planning?
It is never too early to think about what is most important to you should your health change. While it can be hard to think about a time when you are sick or unable to make decisions for yourself, the earlier you plan, the better chance we have of giving you the medical care that is right for you.
At Ochsner, we want your voice to be heard and your wishes respected, no matter your medical condition. Maybe you have had experiences with people close to you who have been sick. Have you visited loved ones in the ICU or hospital? Or perhaps you have watched people get sick on TV or in movies.
Reflecting on these situations can be a good first step in the process of advance care planning. If you are unable to find previously completed forms or if you cannot find them in your chart, the documents for the advance directives are linked below. Download a copy to fill out and bring to your next doctor visit.
View our printable advanced care planning forms
- How to Start the Conversation About Advance Care Planning (ENGLISH)
- How to Start the Conversation About Advance Care Planning (SPANISH)
- How to Start the Conversation About Advance Care Planning (Vietnamese)
- Ochsner Living Will/Declaration (ENGLISH)
- Ochsner Living Will/Declaration (SPANISH)
- Ochsner Power of Attorney for Health Care Decisions (ENGLISH)
- Ochsner Power of Attorney for Health Care Decisions (SPANISH)
- Louisiana Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (LaPost - ENGLISH)
- Louisiana Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (LaPost – SPANISH)
- Physician Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment for Non-Louisiana Residents
Anyone 18 years or older who can make their own decisions can complete an advance directive. You do not need a lawyer to complete our forms, however, the forms need to be:
- Dated
- Signed by the patient or healthcare representative
- Signed by two witnesses, not related to the patient by blood or marriage and not entitled to any portion of the patient’s estate.
It is important to review your forms with those who will honor them for you every year or with any changes in your health or personal life to make sure they still reflect your wishes. You may cancel or revoke documents on file with Ochsner at any time verbally or in writing.
Copies should be given to your doctor and others you want to know of your wishes. If you should go to the hospital, bring a copy of your documents if not already on file. Keep your original documents in an easy to find location. If you are unable to download and print the documents, please ask for assistance at your next appointment.