National Advance Care Planning Week

March 11, 2026

National Advance Care Planning Week is 16 March – 22 March. Advance Care Planning (ACP) is the process of planning for the care someone would (or would not) like to receive in the event of serious illness, when they are unable to communicate their preferences, or at the end of their life. 

Advance Care Planning helps ensure that: 

  • A person continues to have a say in their care, even when they lose physical or mental capacity 
  • People are comforted knowing they are more likely to receive treatment they want, and not receive treatment they don't want   
  • Carers and family can make decisions knowing their loved one's choices 

People often need help to develop an Advance Care Plan that will guide their medical treatment and care. 

GPs develop ongoing relationships with their patients and are well positioned to initiate Advance Care Planning. Several items on the Medicare Benefits Schedule can support ACP as part of other health interventions. More information on these can be found here. 

SEMPHN has a range of resources available for Advance Care Planning. 

Additionally, Advanced Care Planning Australia (ACPA) drives awareness and best practice through community engagement, workforce education, research, and system-level advocacy. With deep insight into the challenges faced by both healthcare professionals and the broader community, ACPA delivers timely, practical resources to dispel misconceptions and support confident, informed decision-making. Visit the ACPA website to find out more. 

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