The South Australian Government has tabled legislation before Parliament that would aim to streamline communications and decision sharing over future health care, accommodation and personal matters.

 

The Bill seeks to establish a new system of Advanced Care Directives to make it easier for people to make decisions in advance about treatment in the event of serious illness or a sudden change in circumstances.

 

The Advance Care Directives Bill 2012 replaces the three existing forms of directive: Enduring Power of Guardianship, Medical Power of Attorney and Anticipatory Direction.

 

With one Advance Care Directive competent adults will be able to:

 

  • Express their wishes, preferences and instructions about future health care, residential, accommodation and other personal matters
  • Appoint substitute decision-makers who can make these decisions on their behalf.

 

State Minister for Health and Ageing, John Hill, said the Advance Care Directive would take effect whenever a person’s capacity to make a decision is impaired – permanently or temporarily.

 

“The Bill takes a broad view of health and well-being and is not restricted to medical treatment decisions at the end of life,” Mr Hill said.  

 

“It also contains important protections for health practitioners, substitute decision-makers and others who give effect to Advance Care Directives in good faith and without negligence.”