Life is unpredictable and it is important for us to be prepared for any unexpected situations. In Singapore, two key legal instruments – the Advance Medical Directive (AMD) and the Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) and empower you to take control of your future care.
These documents allow you to express your healthcare preferences and appoint someone you trust to act on your behalf should you lose the mental capacity to make decisions on your own.
| What is it? | What does it cover? | Who can apply? | |
| Advance Medical Directive (AMD) | Document that you sign in advance to inform the doctor treating you (in the event you become terminally ill and unconscious) that you do not want any extraordinary life-sustaining treatment to be used to prolong your life. | Use of life-sustaining treatments | At least 21 years old Not mentally disordered |
| Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) | Document to appoint someone to manage your personal and property affairs in the event of medical capacity | Property & financial matters | Singapore citizens or PRs aged 21 and above Must be of sound mind at the time of application |
Advance Medical Directive (AMD)
It is a legally binding document you sign beforehand to let your treating physician know that if you ever become terminally ill and unconscious, you do not wish to receive extraordinary life‑sustaining treatments to prolong life.
Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document which allows you to appoint one or more persons you trust to make decisions for you, if you are unable to make decisions for yourself because of a loss of mental capacity.
This includes decisions about medical treatment, where you live, and even day-to-day matters such as your diet and daily routine.
In Singapore, there are two different prescribed LPA forms to cater to the varying needs of individuals. These forms then need to be submitted online to the Office of Public Guardian (OPG) by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), together with confirmation from a Certificate Issuer (CI).
LPA Forms for Submission
- LPA Form 1: Standard version you use to grant general powers with basic restrictions to your donee(s). You can choose to visit a registered physician, lawyer or psychiatrist for certification.
- LPA Form 2: For those who have non-standard requirements and wish to grant customised powers to donee(s). This form needs to be drafted by a lawyer.
Here are the essential step by step:
- Nominate Donee(s) online via OPG
- Donee(s) to accept nomination online
- Visit a Certificate Issuer (CI) – a registered physician, lawyer or psychiatrist
- CI to assess and confirm your LPA, after which an online submission is made to your application to OPG
- LPA is confirmed and in place when you and Donee(s) are notified online via OPG
Make an appointment with our Registered Physician for your AMD or LPA Certificate for $80* nett each.
*Price excludes consultation for other medical concerns. Any acute or chronic conditions will require a separate consultation.
