“This time, with a PAD, I did not receive any treatments that I did not want. They were very respectful. I really felt like the hospital took better care of me because I had my PAD. In fact, I think it’s the best care that I’ve ever received.” Read More PAD Stories...

About PADs

  • A psychiatric advance directive (PAD) is a legal document that documents a person’s preferences for future mental health treatment, and allows appointment of a health proxy to interpret those preferences during a crisis.
  • PADs may be drafted when a person is well enough to consider preferences for future mental health treatment.
  • PADs are used when a person becomes unable to make decisions during a mental health crisis.

District of Columbia Mental Health Resources

District of Columbia Durable Power of Attorney statute link – click to see the statute online. 
Note: Once you follow the link, follow Division III > Title 21 > Chapter 22 > Subchapter I to view the legislation.

District of Columbia Statutory Form of Durable Power of Attorney for Health CareImage

District of Columbia Advance Directive – Planning for Important Healthcare DecisionsImage

Although District of Columbia does not currently have a specific statute for a psychiatric advance directive, you can learn more about general advance directives for health care in the District of Columbia at the Caring Connections website.

If you know of any relevant current legislation, pending legislation, or general issues of interest relating to psychiatric advance directives in your state, click here to contact us.