A Step-by-Step Submission Process
Registering your advance directive with the Arizona healthcare directives registry (AZHDR) is voluntary. If you choose to do it, the process is thorough.
The health information exchange organization sets the steps and builds in safeguards. This applies to all documents covered by the registry, including a mental health care power of attorney.
The qualifying health information exchange organization shall establish a process to allow persons to submit documents described in section 36-3292 to the health care directives registry. The qualifying health information exchange organization shall adopt industry standard safeguards to ensure the security, privacy and integrity of the documents submitted to and maintained in the health care directives registry.
A.R.S. § 36-3294(A)After you submit your documents, the organization shows you a record of what was entered. You can review it and fix errors.
Your entry does not go live until you confirm the facts are correct. This step keeps mistakes out of your permanent record.
You Stay in Control After Registration
An important feature of this statute: it requires the registry to let you manage your documents after you submit them. You can review, retrieve, revoke, or replace them at any time.
The qualifying health information exchange organization shall establish a process to allow persons who submit documents to the health care directives registry to review, retrieve, revoke and replace the documents.
A.R.S. § 36-3294(E)The organization does not have to check if your documents meet every legal requirement. That duty stays with you and whoever helped you prepare them.
The registry stores what you submit. It does not guarantee legal compliance.
Keeping Your Registry Record Current
If you revoke or replace a directive, the organization must remove or mark the old version. This keeps providers from relying on outdated instructions.
Many families find that care planning decisions change over time. Keeping your registry record current is a practical step whenever your healthcare wishes change.