ABA Family Legal Guide

The Rights of Older Americans

A Right to Control Your Own Affairs

Health-Care Decision-Making Issues

What do I do with my advance directive after completing one?

Make sure someone close to you knows where it is located. If you have named an agent, give your agent a copy of the original. Also give your physician a copy and ask that it be made part of your permanent medical record. You may also want to make a small card for your purse or wallet that states that you have an advance directive and provides the name, phone number, and address of your agent or a person who can provide a copy of it.