Getting older or facing a sudden illness is something none of us can avoid. While we all focus on staying healthy, it is just as important to think ahead and make plans for our medical care and finances—so that our wishes are respected, and our loved ones are not left in the dark when difficult decisions need to be made.
In Hong Kong, the "Three Instruments of Peace" (平安三寶) are three legally recognised documents that help with exactly that: a Will (Peace Paper), an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA), and Advance Medical Directives (AMD). Together, they allow you to set out your preferences while you are still mentally capable, giving you peace of mind and helping your family avoid confusion or disagreements down the track.
That said, a lot of people still have questions about AMD and EPA. Are they just for old people? Will signing them mean you won't be saved in an accident? What if your family doesn't agree with your choices? We have put together this guide to clear up the most common misunderstandings, so you can feel more confident about planning ahead for yourself and your family.
1. Advance Medical Directives (AMD)
What is an AMD?
An Advance Medical Directive is a written document that anyone aged 18 or over, who is mentally fit, can prepare in advance. It sets out your wish to refuse life-sustaining treatment—such as CPR or being put on a ventilator—if you later develop a serious condition covered by the directive, like a terminal illness, a persistent vegetative state, or an irreversible coma.
When Does It Apply?
- Terminal illness (a serious condition that keeps getting worse and cannot be reversed)
- Persistent vegetative state
- Other advanced irreversible conditions that limit how long you are expected to live
Who Needs to Witness It?
- One registered doctor (to explain what the directive means, how it works, and to check that you are mentally capable)
- One other person aged 18 or over
Common Questions
Is an AMD only for older people?
Not at all. Anyone aged 18 or over with mental capacity can make one.
If I sign an AMD and then have an accident, will doctors just let me die?
Definitely not. An AMD only comes into effect if the specific conditions in the document are met—like a terminal illness or being in a vegetative state. If you are in a regular accident or any non-terminal situation, medical staff will still do everything they can to save you.
What if my family doesn't agree with what I want?
Your own wishes come first. But it is a good idea to talk things through with your family before you sign, so they understand your values and why you are making these choices. That way, they are more likely to respect your decision when the time comes.
Can I change my mind after signing?
Yes. As long as you still have mental capacity, you can cancel it anytime—simply tear up the document or put your revocation in writing.
How much does it cost to make an AMD?
For details on our fees and how we can help, feel free to check out our website.
2. Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA)
What is an EPA?
An Enduring Power of Attorney is a legal document that lets you (the donor) appoint someone you trust (your attorney) to look after your financial and property matters, in case you later lose mental capacity—for example, due to dementia or a coma.
What Can an Attorney Do?
- Access your bank accounts and handle deposits, withdrawals, and transfers
- Pay your bills and daily expenses
- Buy or sell property on your behalf
- Manage your stocks and other investments
- Sort out your tax affairs
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
An EPA only covers financial matters—it does not cover medical decisions. If you want to set out your healthcare wishes, you will need an Advance Medical Directive (or other arrangements) for that. Also, your attorney cannot sign an AMD on your behalf, because that is a personal health decision.
Common Questions
Is an EPA only for older people?
No. Any adult aged 18 or over with mental capacity can set one up if they wish.
If I have an EPA and get into an accident, will doctors refuse to treat me?
No. An EPA is about money and property, not medical care. It has no bearing on emergency treatment.
What if my family doesn't like who I choose as my attorney?
The choice is entirely yours, you can pick whichever family member or friend you trust most. Still, it is wise to let your family know who you have chosen and why, so there are no surprises or arguments later.
How do I cancel an EPA?
If you still have mental capacity, you can apply to the court to have it revoked.
3. Will (Peace Paper)
A Will is there to set out who gets what after you pass away, who will carry out your wishes (your executor), and how you would like your funeral to be handled. It serves a different purpose from the EPA and AMD—they are not replacements for one another, but rather three tools that work alongside each other.
We Also Support AMD Upload via eHealth Pro
To make it easier for you to manage your Advance Medical Directive, our clinic supports uploading your AMD to the electronic health record system through eHealth Pro, making it accessible to your healthcare team when needed. This gives you and your family extra peace of mind, knowing that your medical wishes will be seen and respected at the right time. For more details, please visit the eHealth Pro website.
Final Thoughts: Plan Early for Peace of Mind
The "Three Instruments of Peace" are not just for the elderly. Any adult can think about putting them in place according to their own situation. An AMD gives you a say in the medical care you receive at the end of your life. An EPA makes sure your finances are taken care of if you are no longer able to manage them yourself.
Above all, whether you are looking into an AMD or an EPA, it always helps to talk openly with your family. When they understand what matters to you, it not only cuts down on potential disagreements but also shows that you care about them and want to make things easier for everyone.
If you have any questions or would like to find out more about how to get started, speak with your doctor or a legal professional. Planning ahead may not be the easiest thing to think about, but it is one of the kindest things you can do for yourself and for the people you love.
This article is for general reference only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. If you need specific guidance, please consult a qualified professional.
