Is an advance directive different from a “Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care”?
The advance directive has replaced the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care as the legally recognized document for appointing a health care agent in California. The advance directive, as in the case of the living will, is more comprehensive than a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care. An advance directive permits you not only to appoint an agent, but to give instructions about your own health care. You can do either or both of these things.
