A plain-language reference for families and caregivers. Not legal or medical advice — the forms and rules linked below are the California sources of truth.
California's Advance Health Care Directive is signed with two adult witnesses OR a notary; special witnessing rules apply in skilled-nursing facilities. POLST requires patient (or surrogate) and clinician signatures.
The directive's instructions generally apply when the person cannot make or communicate decisions. POLST is an active medical order the moment it is signed by the clinician.
Signing and taking effect are not the same moment for every document.
Official forms: California Department of Justice (oag.ca.gov) and capolst.org for POLST.
Requirements change. Always verify against your state’s current statutory form before relying on any summary — including this one.
California recognizes: Advance Health Care Directive (combined proxy + instructions); POLST; Prehospital DNR.
California's Advance Health Care Directive is signed with two adult witnesses OR a notary; special witnessing rules apply in skilled-nursing facilities. POLST requires patient (or surrogate) and clinician signatures.
The directive's instructions generally apply when the person cannot make or communicate decisions. POLST is an active medical order the moment it is signed by the clinician.
Official forms: California Department of Justice (oag.ca.gov) and capolst.org for POLST.
Reference content only — CaraLoom does not provide medical or legal advice. Requirements change; verify with your state's official forms.
We publish plain-language references for every U.S. state and the District of Columbia. Return to the families hub to pick another.
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