Step 5: Completing the Forms and Beyond


Now that you have thought about Life Care Planning and discussed certain topics with those who can help you complete the forms, decide which forms you want to sign, and what you want to say in each form. Then read the instructions on each form and follow all instructions exactly, especially as to signing and witnesses. Each form has different requirements for completion under Arizona law, so be sure you follow all the individual instructions on each form. The Life Care Planning Forms are available at: https://www.azcourts.gov/probate/Life-Care-Planning/Life-Care-Planning-Forms. 
The information below may be helpful to you but is not a substitute for legal advice.
(Content is courtesy of the Office of the Attorney General of Arizona, Mark Brnovich.) 
 

1  KEEPING THE ORIGINALS AND MAKING COPIES 

You should keep the originals in a safe place that is also readily accessible, so you can review them from time to time. Give copies to your representatives and your doctors. You might also want to give copies to family members and close friends. Keep a few extra copies and be sure to take one with you if you go to a hospital or other facility for health care. 

2  REGISTERING THE COPIES WITH THE ARIZONA ADVANCE DIRECTIVE REGISTRY

The Arizona Secretary of State maintains the Arizona Advance Directive Registry, which is a confidential database that will store a copy of your completed Life Care Planning forms. The purpose of registering Life Care Planning forms is to create a centralized location where your relatives or the hospital or other health care facility caring for you can access the form if it is not readily available. Access to the Life Care Planning forms in the registry is password protected.

If you wish to register your Life Care Planning forms in the Arizona Advance Directive Registry, you should contact the Office of the Arizona Secretary of State or go to the Arizona Advance Directive Registry webpage at: https://azsos.gov/services/advance-directives.

Arizona Advance Directive Registry
Arizona Secretary of State
1700 W. Washington, 7th Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85007-2888
(602) 542-6187 or (800) 458-5842

3  CHANGING OR CANCELING THE FORMS

You may change or cancel any of these forms whenever you wish. Review your forms every year or so and consider whether to make changes based on your life circumstances. Remember to discuss changes with your representatives, and doctors, and perhaps your family, clergyperson, etc.

  • If you want to change what you said on a form, complete a new form, following all instructions. Be sure to put a date on the new form, since the most recent form will be the valid form. Try to collect and destroy the original and copies of the old form. Give copies of the new form to your representatives, doctors, and any others you want to know about your wishes.
  • If you want to cancel a form entirely, try to collect and destroy the original and all copies of the form. In Arizona, you can also revoke the Durable Health Care Power of Attorney and the Durable Mental Health Care Power of Attorney verbally by telling your representative or health care provider. Cancellation in writing is always best if you are able to do so, since writing makes your wishes clearer.