Free Printable Checklist
What to Do After Completing Your Advance Care Planning Documents
You've done the hard part. Now make sure your wishes are seen, shared, and honoured when it matters most.
A step-by-step guide for British Columbia.
Completing your Representation Agreement and Advance Directive is a significant accomplishment — but it's only the first half of the job. Your advance care planning documents are worthless if they can't be found when you need them. The steps below will ensure your wishes reach the right people, at the right time, wherever you receive care.
7 Steps to Take After Completing Your ACP Documents
1. Book an Advance Care Planning Appointment With Your Doctor
In BC, your primary care practitioner has a dedicated billing code for a 30-minute Advance Care Planning visit. At this appointment, have the clinic scan your original Representation Agreement and Advance Directive into your medical file.
Important — No CPR & MOST Orders
If you do not want CPR performed, you'll need a physician-signed No CPR order or a Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST) form. Once signed, keep this document at the front of your emergency packet and with you at all times — or wear an official Medical Alert bracelet.
2. Make Copies and Share Them
Give a copy of your documents to your Representative and your Alternate Representative. This conversation is also a valuable opportunity to discuss your values, beliefs, and preferences for future health care — don't skip it.
3. Store Documents on Your Smartphone
Save your ACP documents on your phone and ask your Representative and Alternate to do the same. Our printable checklist includes detailed iPhone and Android instructions for setting up Medical ID, emergency contacts, and offline document storage.
4. Assemble Your In Case of Emergency (ICE) Packet
Place copies of the following documents in your ICE packet in this order: No CPR or MOST order (if applicable), medical summary and current medications, Representation Agreement, and Advance Directive or Letter of Wishes. Do not include your Enduring Power of Attorney — that document should stay with your estate planning files.
5. Put Your ICE Packet on the Fridge
First responders in BC know to check the fridge. If you store your packet elsewhere, leave a clear note on the fridge directing people to its location.
6. Secure the Originals
Store your original documents with your other important estate planning paperwork. Make sure your Representative, Enduring Power of Attorney, and Executor all know exactly where to find them.
7. Review Your Documents Regularly
Revisit your advance care plan after every significant hospital admission, change in diagnosis, or significant birthday. Also review if a Representative becomes ill, experiences cognitive decline, passes away, or is no longer someone you want in that role. When you review, sign and date the back: "Reviewed on September 12, 2031. It is still all accurate. J. Smith."
Setting Up Your Smartphone for Medical Emergencies
Your phone's Medical ID (iPhone) or Safety Info (Android) lets first responders see your allergies, medications, and emergency contacts without needing your passcode. The full printable checklist below walks you through setup for both platforms, including how to store your ACP documents for offline access.
iPhone (iOS)
Set up Medical ID through the Health app. Enable "Show When Locked" so paramedics can access your information from the lock screen — no passcode required.
Android
Go to Settings → Safety & Emergency to add your medical info and emergency contacts. Enable "Show on lock screen" so your details are visible in an emergency.
Remember:
You and your Representative must ensure that your advance care planning documents are delivered to your healthcare team whenever and wherever you receive care. Bring your ICE packet to every hospital admission and emergency room visit.
Download the Complete Printable Checklist
The PDF includes all seven steps above, plus detailed smartphone setup instructions for iPhone and Android — print it, follow it, and share it with your Representative.
© 2026 PatientPathways.ca · This information is specific to British Columbia, Canada.