Under California law, an Advance Health Care Directive allows you to provide legally binding instructions in writing about your future health care and to name someone to make health care decisions for you if you are incapacitated and cannot make your own decisions. Some people call this a "living will" or a "power of attorney for health care".

If you (or a loved one) are in a skilled nursing facility (SNF, nursing home) and you wish to create an Advance Health Care Directive:
Under California Probate Code Section 4675, a Long-Term Care Ombudsman must be one of the witnesses to the signing of Advance Health Care Directives of residents who are residing in Skilled Nursing Facilities. The Ombudsman's role is to ensure that you are signing the Document voluntarily and you understand the nature of the Advance Health Care Directive.