Arizona runs a statewide system that stores your health care wishes in one safe place. It lets hospitals and doctors find your wishes fast, especially in a crisis. The system is run by a health data group chosen by the Arizona Department of Health Services under A.R.S. 36-3291.
What Types of Advance Directives Can You Register?
The registry takes several types of papers. Arizona health care law covers many kinds of advance directives. These include a health care power of attorney, a living will, a POLST form, and a pre-hospital medical care directive. You can also register a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order or a mental health care power of attorney. Any updates to these papers can go into the registry too.
Each paper must meet the signing rules under Title 36, Chapter 32. That usually means a notary or witnesses, based on the type of paper. The registry checks your identity before taking any filing.
Registration Is Helpful but Not Required
You do not have to register for your papers to be valid. Under A.R.S. 36-3293, your advance directive is legally binding whether it is in the registry, in your filing cabinet, or in your estate planning binder.
But here is why it matters. If you are brought to a hospital and cannot speak, the care team needs to find your wishes fast. Family members may not get there in time with paper copies. Your health care agent may not answer the phone right away. The registry gives providers instant access to your papers when every minute counts.
Who Can See Your Registry Information?
Your papers are private under A.R.S. 36-3295. Only these people can view them:
- You
- Your health care agent or surrogate
- Doctors and nurses treating you
- Paramedics and emergency crews responding to your care
No one else can see your data. The registry is not open to the public, insurers, or employers.
How the Registry Fits Into Life Care Planning
The registry is one piece of a bigger plan. Life care planning means thinking ahead about the medical care you want as you age or if your health shifts. Signing up for the registry is a simple step that supports that bigger picture.
Arizona health care providers are trained to check the registry during check-ins. This is key if you travel within the state, move to a new city, or visit a facility that does not have your records.
How to Register
Contact the health data group named by the Arizona Department of Health Services. You will need to bring your finished papers and verify your identity. After you submit, you get a record of what was entered. You must confirm the details are correct before the entry goes live (A.R.S. 36-3294).
Keep Your Documents Updated
If your wishes change, update your registry entry right away. You can cancel or replace any paper at any time. Make sure your health care agent and close family members know about your registry entry. They can point providers to it during a crisis.
The registry is a simple tool that can make a real difference when it matters most. A few minutes of setup can save your family hours of stress.