A Valencian advance healthcare directive does not require an illness or diagnosis. Any adult, or an emancipated minor, with sufficient legal capacity can record which care and treatments they would accept or refuse if they later become unable to express their wishes.
The document can appoint a representative to speak with the medical team, record decisions on organ and tissue donation and include a request for assisted dying, subject to the conditions in Spain’s euthanasia law. While the person retains capacity, their current wishes take precedence over the earlier document.
Witnesses, a notary or electronic signatures
The directive can be completed before two witnesses or a notary. Both witnesses must be adults with full capacity, and at least one must have no marital, partnership, close family or financial link to the person. A representative cannot also be a witness, registry worker, clinician responsible for applying the directive or, in private healthcare, an employee linked to the insurer.
In-person registration is handled by the patient information service, known as SAIP, for the relevant health department. Identity documents and the SIP health card are checked. When a notary formalises the directive, the notary sends it to the regional and national registers.
The online route requires a valid digital certificate for every signatory. Scanned handwritten signatures are not accepted: the person, witnesses and representative must electronically sign the same file. After SAIP review, confirmation and the registration number are delivered through the citizen portal.
Registration keeps it from remaining only at home
Registration links the directive to the Valencian central register and Spain’s national advance-instructions register so healthcare professionals can consult it when required. Instructions are not applied if they conflict with the law, good clinical practice or circumstances different from those described.
The directive can be changed, replaced or revoked at any time while the person can decide freely. Registration is open all year. This article should be updated if signature rules, SAIP locations or the official form change.
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Official access: Open the official procedure.