Forms Available for Victoria, Australia

Do For Now

regarding current medical conditions

Do Now For Later

for when you can't participate in
your own medical care decisions

Letting others help / have a say

Seek Advice

There are no forms for advice: talk to your GP and any specialists about your condition, the possible treatments and any side-effects, and outcomes. Do your best to be fully informed. If you are not satisfied with the advice or attitude of your medical providers, it is your right to seek further medical help elsewhere.

Talk to your family about how this affects you and them. Be open and understanding.

Appoint an Agent

Your agent is appointed using an Enduring Medical Power of Attorney certificate. It is different and separate from a financial attorney certificate. You appoint an agent to make decisions about medical treatment on your behalf should you become unable to do so. More...

To have all your affairs handled well, you should complete both kinds of certificates.

Documenting your wishes

Refusal of Medical Treatment

You, or an agent you have appointed to represent you, can refuse medical treatment for a current medical condition by signing a Refusal of Medical Treatment Certificate. More...

A doctor who treats a patient despite a valid certificate may be prosecuted under the statutory offence of medical trespass in addition to the common law act of battery.

Doctors who comply with an RTC are granted immunity from civil claims, criminal charges or professional misconduct proceedings, provided the doctor acts in good faith and with reasonable care.

Living Will

Whether you are infirm or in excellent health, you can use an Advance Healthcare Directive (Living Will) to make your preferences known should a sudden, unexpected catastrophic illness befall you. More...

While this certificate is not yet directly legally enforceable in Victoria, it serves to let your medical providers, and your agent (above) know what your wishes are, and can help carers make the right kinds of decisions for you. It can also help minimise family disputes where opinions about what treatments are reasonable, differ.

How You Can Help

DWDV is a self-funded, non-profit organisation, relying on membership fees, donations and volunteers, to
continue its work.

Ways you can help
us to help you:

• Sign our petition
• Become a member
• Donate
• Make a bequest
• Contact your politician
• Share your story
• Buy from our store
• Volunteer
• Contact the media
• Tell a friend

Make your treatment and end-of-life preferences known by completing the necessary legal and other forms.