Psychiatric Advanced Directives (PADs) are documents used to express future preferences for mental health care. As PDAs are not legally accepted in all states (currently 27 states), there is not a universal form recognized. States vary in what elements may be included (e.g., specifying acceptable psychotropic medications, emergency care, ECT), the establishment of an agent vs. combining authority with a Durable Power of Attorney, and length of PDA validity (e.g., 2 years, 3 years, indefinitely/until revoked). Mental Health America (MHA) advocates for the use of PDAs and has numerous resources and information available. To learn more, visit: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/psychiatric-advance-directives-taking-charge-your-care
The National Resource Center on Psychiatric Advanced Directives (NRC-PAD) provides a state by state guide to regulations and also includes appropriate PAD template forms for use in each state where PADs are legally accepted. For more information, visit: https://www.nrc-pad.org