You should give copies of the instructions and power of attorney to these people or agencies:

• Your agent named in the power of attorney,
• Your primary physician,
• Your primary psychiatrist,
• Your community mental health providers,
• Your crisis providers,
• Hospitals where you are apt to receive in-patient or emergency care,
• A trusted relative or friend,
• Any other person or agency named in the instructions.

Your instructions might need to be carried out in an emergency, so it helps if they are easy to read and not overly wordy. You want the providers to follow the instructions. Asking them to read the document beforehand and to discuss with you any concerns they have might be helpful. They may have concerns about things you haven't thought about. They may also have concerns about some of the choices you have made. After talking to them you may want to make changes in your advance directive or they may simply have a better understanding of the choices you have made. A health care provider who understands your choices will be better able to respect those choices.