Make an advance health directive
Part of the Advance health directives topic
Make an advance health directive to outline your health care preferences. You can appoint someone to make health care decisions for you, if you lose capacity to make them.
On this page
In short
You can use this service to:
- give directions about your future health care
- appoint someone you trust (an attorney) to make health care decisions on your behalf, if you lose capacity to make decisions.
See How to make an advance health directive for the full application process.
What you should know
An advance health directive ensures your health care preferences are recorded.
It can guide people who may need to make health care decisions on your behalf, if you lose capacity to make decisions.
You may lose capacity due to an accident, illness or other circumstance.
The advance health directive only comes into effect if you lose the capacity to make decisions about your health care.
Both you and your doctor must sign it in the presence of an eligible witness.
You can end an advance health directive at any time if you have the capacity to do so.
Who can use this service
You can make an advance health directive if you:
- are 18 or older
- have the capacity to understand the document and what it means for you.
Don't use this service if:
- you are under 18
Instead, speak to your parent or guardian about your health care preferences. - you do not have the capacity to understand the document and what it means for you
Instead, a statutory health attorney or guardian may make decisions for you.
How to make an advance health directive
Follow these steps to make an advance health directive.
Step 1: Prepare to make your advance health directive
- Think about your views, wishes and preferences for your future health care.
- If you want an attorney for health matters, consider who you want to appoint and talk to them.
- Talk to your family, friends and doctor about your wishes.
Step 2: Get the form
Choose how you would like to access your form.
Download and print a free copy
Download and print the advance health directive form [PDF].
Buy a paper copy
Buy a paper copy from a Queensland newsagent or stationery supplier.
Step 3: Complete the form
Use the explanatory guide to help you fill out the form. It provides step-by-step instructions, examples, and tips.
Consult your doctor to have them complete their required section of the form.
Your doctor will assess your capacity to make the advance health directive. They may charge a consultation fee.
Step 4: Sign the form in the presence of an eligible witness
Eligible witnesses include a:
- Justice of the peace (JP)
- lawyer
- Commissioner for declarations (Cdec)
- notary public
If you appoint an attorney(s) for health matters, they must sign the document. They sign it after you and the witness have signed it.
Step 5: Store your completed form
Keep your original directive in a safe place.
Tell your close family and friends that you have made an advance health directive and where to find it.
Give a certified copy to your:
- attorney(s), if appointed
- lawyer.
- doctor
- bank
- other health providers
You may also provide a copy to your local hospital to include in your patient file.
Consider carrying a card that states you have made an advance health directive and where it is.
How long it takes
The time it takes depends on how long you need to prepare the advance health directive, consult with your doctor, and arrange for the required signatures.
How much it costs
Downloading the form: Free
Buying a paper copy of the form: Prices vary depending on supplier
Your doctor may charge a consultation.