Advance Care Planning
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. 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.”
Click here to watch our video on how to complete a Medical Durable Power of Attorney.
The Medical Durable Power of Attorney (MDPOA) form discussed in the video is commonly used and recognized throughout Colorado. There are many other forms available, and they are all valid. Remember—this form is legal without a notary or witness, but notarization is recommended if possible.
You may also fill out the MDPoA form in your MyBCH patient portal during the eCheck-in process for your clinic visit.
Click here for basic instructions on how to submit your MDPoA form.
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.”
Click here to watch our video on the living will.
Colorado CPR Directive
A medical order that answers one question: Do you want CPR if your heart stops?
Please read the forms below and think about your goals when deciding whether you would want to have CPR if your heart stopped beating.
CPR Decision Aid form - English
CPR Decision Aid form - Spanish
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.
The MOST Form can only be filled out in partnership with your medical provider. You can review a copy of the MOST Form here. The Center for Improving Value in Health Care (CIVHC) hosts Colorado’s MOST program and offers related information and education.
When to act
Use the “5 Ds” as a reminder to review your plan:
- Decade birthdays
- Diagnosis of a new condition
- Deterioration in health
- Death of a loved one
- 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
- Name your MDPOA. Ask, “If I couldn’t speak, would you be willing to speak for me?”
- Share what matters. Consider independence, comfort, family, faith or outcomes you’d accept or decline.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Advance Care Planning FAQ
What happens if I don’t choose a healthcare agent using the Medical Durable Power of Attorney?
In Colorado, there is not a “next-of-kin” line to choose a healthcare agent. In other words, your spouse or oldest adult child does not automatically become your healthcare agent. If a person does not choose their own Healthcare Agent using the MDPOA, and they become unable to make their own decisions, Colorado’s Proxy Law comes into effect. the medical team must gather everyone who might be interested in making the person’s healthcare decisions. This group must then choose one member to take on this role. If there is absolutely no one to take on the Healthcare Agent role, there is a law in Colorado that allows a physician to make healthcare decisions.
If the group cannot come to an agreement regarding your medical treatment, proceedings for legal guardianship may be started. This is a lengthy legal process that is certain to cause delays and confusion about medical decisions.
I don’t have anyone to be my Healthcare Agent. Where can I find help?
Try to think “outside of the box” to find Healthcare Agent possibilities. Do you have a friend or neighbor that might be willing to help? Do you belong to a Faith Community or club with someone who might help? There are local professionals who will take on the health care agent role for a fee.
What if I want to change my advance directives?
You may change your advance directives at any time by completing new ones and destroying the originals or adding dated addendums. Ensure that your Healthcare Agent, medical providers, and loved ones know you have made changes and have copies of the most recent documents. It is very important to have conversations with everyone involved in your care when you are thinking differently about your choices.
Is there a place to have a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) bracelet made?
There is a company in Denver, called Award & Sign that makes DNR bracelets and necklaces that are backed up by a signed DNR order. To obtain one of these bracelets, you send in a signed copy of your DNR order or MOST Form to the company. They make the bracelet and send it back to you. Click here to learn more.
What is the Colorado End-of-Life Options Act?
In 2016, Colorado passed legislation that allows medical aid in dying. This is called the Colorado End-of-Life Options Act. The law outlines the process for a terminally ill individual to follow if they wish to end his or her life in a peaceful manner.
How can I become an organ donor?
There are two main ways to become an organ donor:
- You can elect to become an organ donor when you renew your drivers license in any state, or
- Register with Donor Alliance online
You may also be able to include your wish to become an organ donor on your Living Will, MDPOA or CPR directive documents.
Click the button below to learn more about becoming an organ donor