Advance care planning with Dr. Barry Platnick: What it is, why it matters and how to get started

Advance care planning is not just filling out forms — it’s a process of thinking about what matters to you, talking with the people who matter and documenting your wishes so care teams can honor them if you cannot speak for yourself. Earlier this year, Barry Platnick, MD, Medical Director of Palliative Care at Boulder Community Health gave a community education lecture on the importance of advance care planning.

“Planning is the process,” says Dr. Platnick. “The paperwork is important, but the goal is clarity for you, your loved ones and your clinicians.”

The most important step: Choose your Medical Durable Power of Attorney (MDPOA)

Your MDPOA is the person that you authorize to make medical decisions for you only when you cannot.

• In Colorado, an MDPOA does not require witnesses or a notary, just your signature.
• Pick someone who knows you well, can handle stress and will speak for your values.
• Talk to them now and revisit those talks as your life and health change.

“If you remember one thing, remember this,” Dr. Platnick shares. “Have a Medical Durable Power of Attorney.”

Why it matters in Colorado

Colorado does not have a default legal hierarchy that automatically picks your decision-maker. If you don’t name an MDPOA, the care team must gather “interested persons” to reach consensus. That can be slow and painful in an emergency.

The documents: What each one does

Think of these as tools that help your MDPOA and care team act on your wishes.

Living will

A written document stating what treatments you would want or would not want if you could not speak for yourself. Common topics include CPR, breathing machines and artificial nutrition or hydration.

Colorado requirement: Two unrelated witnesses or a notary.

“Documents are static,” Dr. Platnick explains. “Your values change over a lifetime. Review and update your living will as your situation evolves.”

Colorado CPR Directive

A medical order that answers one question: Do you want CPR if your heart stops?

MOST form (Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment)

This form is a portable medical order for people with serious illness. It records CPR preferences, treatment levels (from full treatment to comfort-focused care), and guidance on artificial nutrition. It can be signed by a physician, advanced practice nurse, or physician assistant and travels with you across care settings.

Keep all three forms together where first responders can find them — often on the refrigerator or near the front door.

When to act

Use the “5 Ds” as a reminder to review your plan:

1. Decade birthdays
2. Diagnosis of a new condition
3. Deterioration in health
4. Death of a loved one
5. Divorce or major life change

And any time your answer to “What makes a good day for me?” changes.

“What you want at 25 is not always what you want at 85,” Dr. Platnick says. “Your plan should move with your life.”

How to start the conversation

1. Name your MDPOA. Ask, “If I couldn’t speak, would you be willing to speak for me?”
2. Share what matters. Consider independence, comfort, family, faith or outcomes you’d accept or decline.
3. Write it down. Complete your MDPOA first. Add a living will. If you have a serious illness, ask your clinician whether a MOST form is appropriate.
4. Store and share. Give copies to your MDPOA and care team. Upload to your patient portal if available. Keep CPR Directives and MOST forms where responders can find them.
5. Revisit. Review after hospitalizations, new diagnoses, or major life events.

Common questions

Does my MDPOA control my money?
No. An MDPOA covers medical decisions only. A financial power of attorney is separate.

Can I list more than one child?
You can name alternates in order. Choose the person most likely to be reachable and steady under pressure.

Do I need a lawyer?
No. Most people complete Colorado forms on their own. You may include them in broader estate planning if you wish.

What if I collapse away from home?
Without visible documentation or a medical alert, first responders will begin CPR. If you do not want CPR, talk with your clinician about a CPR Directive and how to keep it accessible.

I live part-time in another state.
Forms are generally honored across state lines, but requirements differ. If you split time, ensure your documents meet both states’ rules.

A quick checklist to work on while visiting with loved ones over the holidays

• Choose and ask your MDPOA
• Complete the Colorado MDPOA form
• Complete or update your living will
• If appropriate, complete a CPR Directive and/or MOST form with your clinician
• Share copies and upload to your patient portal
• Set a reminder to review annually

“These conversations can be hard,” Dr. Platnick shares. “They are also a gift. They spare your family confusion and make sure your care reflects your values.”

Watch the full advanced care planning lecture below.