Developed in consultation with attorneys who represent hospitals, the Registry electronically stores advance directives and makes them available 24 hours a day to health care providers across the country through an automated computer-facsimile system. The Registry agrees not to release this information to any party other than health care providers.
Registration is free.
The advance directive is electronically stored in the Registry's computer along with the registrant's identifying and emergency contact information. The document itself is filed and stored in the Registry's archives. The registrant is contacted annually by mail to confirm that the advance directive has not been changed or revoked. Annual renewal is free. Health care providers can contact the Registry to gain access to advance directives or to inquire as to whether any patient has an advance directive.