What This Form Covers
A mental health care power of attorney lets you pick someone to make mental health choices for you. This person steps in if you cannot make those choices yourself.
This statute offers a sample form. However, the law does not require you to use it. Any document that meets the legal rules works.
A person may use any writing that meets the requirements of sections 36-3281 and 36-3282 to create a mental health care power of attorney. The following form is offered as a sample only and does not prevent a person from using other language or another form.
A.R.S. § 36-3286The sample form covers several key areas. These include naming a primary and backup agent, agreeing to or refusing specific treatments, and allowing inpatient stays.
It also lets you add personal care wishes. In addition, it has space for witness statements and an optional agent acceptance section.
Why Putting Mental Health Wishes in Writing Matters
A mental health crisis can make it hard to share your wishes clearly. Without a written plan, providers who do not know your values may make choices for you.
This document gives your chosen agent the power to act based on your wishes. For example, it covers choices about medications, outpatient care, and hospital stays.
The attorney general plays no role in approving these documents. They are private papers between you and your agent. That said, they must meet the legal rules to be valid.
One key feature: you cannot revoke this document while you lack the ability to give informed consent. This protects your earlier, clear-minded wishes during a crisis. At all other times, you keep full control to change or cancel it.
Working with an estate planning attorney can help make sure this document fits with your other advance directives.