Arizona Life Care Planning Full Packet
The Arizona Life Care Planning Packet combines all of the state’s recommended forms to help you clearly communicate your health care preferences, name trusted decision-makers, and document end-of-life wishes. This packet is free, valid across Arizona, and recognized by hospitals, emergency responders, and long-term care providers.
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📄 Download the Full Arizona Life Care Planning Packet (PDF)
🧭 What’s Inside the Packet?
Form | Purpose |
1. Letter to Loved Ones | A personal message to your family or care team |
2. Durable Health Care Power of Attorney | Names someone to make medical decisions for you |
3. Living Will | Lists your preferences for end-of-life medical care |
4. Prehospital Medical Care Directive (DNR) | States that you do not want CPR in emergencies |
5. Mental Health Care Power of Attorney | Names someone to make mental health care decisions |
6. Registration Agreement | Allows you to register your documents in the Arizona Advance Directive Registry |
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
Section 1: Letter to My Loved Ones
What it is: An optional letter where you can share your thoughts, values, or messages with your family, caregivers, or spiritual advisors.
Ideas to include:
What quality of life means to you
Your values or religious beliefs
What kind of comfort care you want
Your wishes for your final days or funeral
Helpful Tip: This is not legally binding but can deeply guide your loved ones when making decisions on your behalf.
Section 2: Durable Health Care Power of Attorney
What it does: Legally authorizes someone (your “agent”) to make medical decisions if you can’t.
You’ll need to:
Enter your full legal name and contact info
Name a primary health care agent
Optionally name backup agents
List any specific instructions or limits on their authority
Sign in front of either a notary or two witnesses
Helpful Tip: Pick someone who knows your values and can stay calm in a crisis.
Section 3: Living Will
What it does: States your preferences about life-sustaining treatments if you’re terminally ill, in a coma, or unable to express your wishes.
You’ll choose whether you want:
CPR (resuscitation)
Artificial feeding or fluids
Pain relief (even if it may shorten life)
Other treatments like dialysis, breathing machines, etc.
Helpful Tip: Be specific in the optional instructions area. You can also refer to your Letter to Loved Ones here.
Section 4: Prehospital Medical Care Directive (DNR)
What it does: A Do Not Resuscitate order for EMS and first responders — tells them not to perform CPR if your heart or breathing stops.
To complete:
Fill in your personal info
Sign the form
Have it signed by a licensed Arizona health care provider OR your legal representative
Important: Must be printed on orange or brightly colored paper to be valid in the field.
Section 5: Mental Health Care Power of Attorney
What it does: Allows your agent to make mental health treatment decisions if a court declares you incapacitated.
You can:
Specify the kinds of treatment you agree to (e.g., inpatient care, medication)
Include restrictions (e.g., no electroconvulsive therapy)
Provide guidance for your agent
Signatures required:
Your signature
A notary or two witnesses
Helpful Tip: Use this form if you’ve been diagnosed with a condition like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or dementia—or if you simply want to be proactive.
Section 6: Arizona Health Care Directives Registration Agreement
What it does: Lets you register your completed documents with the Arizona Advance Directive Registry (AZHDR) so health care providers can find them in an emergency.
You’ll need to:
Fill in your name and contact info
Choose what documents you’re submitting
Sign and submit either by mail, fax, or upload through the portal
🔗 Register your directives online at azhdr.org
✅ After You Complete the Packet
Review and Sign Forms Properly Some forms require witnesses or a notary. Do not skip this step—documents aren’t valid without proper signatures.
Make Copies
Keep the original in a safe but accessible place
Give copies to your agent, doctor, and any hospital or care facility
Post your DNR on the fridge or near your bed
Register the Documents (optional but recommended)
Submit through azhda.org
You’ll receive a card to keep in your wallet so emergency responders can find your info
Review Annually or After Major Life Changes
Update your documents if you move, divorce, are diagnosed with a serious illness, or if your wishes change
You can revoke or replace forms at any time
🛠️ Need Help?
Helpful can guide you through this packet, help you find a notary or witnesses, and store your forms securely. Let us know if you’d like personalized support for yourself or a loved one.
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