Advance care planning

A variety of information on advance care planning, with links to different Australian states, is shown at links and resources.  Visit and browse the information, the intent of information on advance care planning is essentially the same, with different information offering useful perspectives.

Australian states and territories are different jurisdictions governed by different legislation.  In Victoria, legislation covering specific parts of an advance care plan, or directive, includes the Medical Treatment Planning and Decisions Act 2016 and Guardianship and Administration Act 1986; guardianship information is also at the Office of the Public Advocate.  Different legislation applies in the jurisdictions of other states and territories.

When you start advance care planning, to complete an advance care directive, make sure you follow the information for the state, or territory, in which you live.

Check out Patient journey chart for an overview of advance care planning and where it fits in with:

• Whats happening with your health and any particular health events
• Your outlook and treatment
• Your care goals and planning
• Living arrangements, and
• What is best in place for your advance care plan or directive.

Visit the Office of the Public Advocate (in Victoria) for forms which can be part of an advance care plan or directive, including:

Choosing the right Power of Attorney 

• Office of the Public Advocate
  To choose someone to make decisions on your behalf about your financial and legal affairs, in the event of you losing, at some time in the future, the capacity to make these decisions yourself.

Medical Treatment Decision Maker

• Office of the Public Advocate
  To choose someone to make decisions on your behalf about your medical treatment, in the event of you losing, at some time on the future, the capacity to make these decisions yourself.

Guardianship & Administration

• Office of the Public Advocate
  To choose someone to make decisions on your behalf about your personal, lifestyle and health decisions, in the event of your losing, at some time in the future, the capacity to make these decisions yourself.

‘Take Control’

• ‘Take Control’
  ‘Take Control’ has clear information about powers of attorney and guardianship, step by step instructions, including all the forms you may need.

Refusal of Medical Treatment

• Instructional Directives
  A person cannot refuse palliative care, i.e. reasonable pain relief and food and water while you are still able to eat and drink.  If prior to 12th March 2018 – a valid Refusal of (medical) Treatment Certificate will be recognised. Post 12th March 2018 – an instructional directive must be completed to refuse medical treatment.

Advance care planning Australia also has comprehensive information on this important activity.