Store and share your documents

What to do with your completed documents

Once you've completed your advance care planning documents, keep the originals in a safe place.

If you’ve made the effort to prepare these documents, you’ll want to make sure they are used if the time ever comes.

It’s very important to share copies of your documents. Give them to the people who’ll be involved in making decisions about your care and treatment if you’re unable to decide for yourself.

This includes:

• your family
• your substitute decision maker
• your local doctor and hospital
• anyone you trust

Keep a list of who you give copies to, in case you decide to update them in the future.

You can also print a wallet card [PDF 117.46 KB] to let others know that you have an advance care directive.

Uploading your documents to My Health Record

My Health Record is a free national system that safely stores your health information. You and your healthcare providers can view it anytime.

Uploading your documents to My Health Record means they’ll be available when needed, including in emergencies. Health professionals will be able to view them if you’re away from home and can't speak for yourself.

You can also give trusted others permission to view your record and see your documents.

To learn more about uploading your documents, you can:

• visit the My Health Record website
• do a short eLearning module
• watch a simple step-by-step video
• phone 1800 723 471 and select option 1 for help.

Storage options in your state or territory

Some states and territories may offer other ways to store advance care planning documents.

These could include online systems, health department programs, or registers where you can lodge your documents.

Check what storage options are available in your state or territory.

• Australian Capital Territory
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• Victoria
• Western Australia

Private providers

Private providers may offer storage for advance care planning documents, often using electronic, subscription-based systems. This storage is usually part of a paid service that may include help to complete your documents.

Read more about private providers and what to consider as part of your advance care planning in the Where to get support factsheet [PDF 323.64 KB].

Keep your documents up to date

Once you’ve recorded and stored your documents, review them regularly and update them if your wishes or situation changes.

Read more about reviewing advance care planning documents.