Since 1 July 2014 the Advance Care Directives Act 2013 (SA) has been in operation. This allows a person to:
- set out values and wishes to guide decisions about their future healthcare and other personal matters
- set out what, if any, particular healthcare they refuse and in what circumstances and
- appoint one or more substitute decision-makers.
It will no longer be possible for a person to appoint a guardian under the Guardianship and Administration Act 1993 (SA). However, any power of guardianship executed and guardian appointed before 1 July 2014 will be taken to be an advance care directive and substitute decision-maker under the Advance Care Directives Act 2013 (SA).
It will no longer be possible to complete an anticipatory direction or make a medical power of attorney appointing a medical agent under the Consent to Medical Treatment and Palliative Care Act 1995 (SA). However, any directive or medical power of attorney given and agent appointed before 1 July 2014 will be taken to be an advance care directive and substitute decision-maker under the Advance Care Directives Act 2013 (SA).
See: Advance care directives before July 2014
All references in this section are to the Advance Care Directives Act 2013 (SA) unless stated otherwise.