You cannot alter your Advance Care Directive once it has been finalised and signed by any Substitute Decision-Makers (if you have appointed any), yourself and a witness.

If you want to change your Advance Care Directive you will need to cancel (revoke) your original Advance Care Directive. There are two ways to cancel an Advance Care Directive.

Cancel and replace

By simply completing a new Advance Care Directive form (PDF 434KB) and having it signed by any Substitute Decision-Makers (if you wish to appoint them), yourself and a witness, your previous Advance Care Directive will be revoked and replaced by your new Advance Care Directive.

Cancel and not replace

If you simply wish to cancel your Advance Care Directive and not replace it, you can complete the Cancelling my Advance Care Directive form (PDF 80KB). Once this form is signed by you and an authorised witness who is satisfied that you understand what it will mean for you if you cancel your Advance Care Directive, your Advance Care Directive will be revoked.

If you are no longer able to complete a new Advance Care Directive because you no longer understand what an Advance Care Directive is and what it will be used for the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal can be asked to consider your decision to cancel your Advance Care Directive.

Remember, if you:

  • Cancel your Advance Care Directive but don’t write a new one – give a copy with the completed Cancelling my Advance Care Directive form to everyone who has a copy of the original, including Subsititute Decision-Makers, your doctor or health service
  • Write a new Advance Care Directive – give certified copies of the new Advance Care Directive to appointed Substitute Decision-Maker/s, family, health practitioners, hospitals and anyone else who has a copy of the old one.