“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.

Veterans Health Administration

VHA Handbook – This is a recertification of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Handbook 1004.2, “Advance Health Care Planning” dated, July 6, 1998. It contains provisions for advance health care planning for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) patients and defines the obligations of the health care staff.

Department of Veterans Affairs, 38 CFR Part 17, Medical Advance Health Care Planning – This document amends VA medical regulations to codify VA policy regarding advance health care planning.

“Must All Patients Be Asked About Mental Health Advance Directives?” – Statement on PADs policy in the VA from the National Center for Ethics in Health Care.