生命足跡：表達藝術治療及預設醫療指示工作坊，為配合預設醫療指示（AMD）的立法及推廣，同行 Alongside 推出一連串公眾教育活動，透過講座、工作坊及峰會等多元形式，讓不同背景的大眾了解新法例的內容及其對醫療自主的深遠意義，推動每個人都能以尊嚴地走完人生最後一段路。
The Advance Decision on Life-sustaining Treatment Ordinance Takes Effect on 31 July 2026 — What You Need to Know
Alongside
Last Updated：2026/07/08
The Advance Decision on Life-sustaining Treatment Ordinance will come into effect on 31 July 2026. From that date, all Advance Medical Directives (AMDs) made in accordance with the Ordinance will carry full legal force. Healthcare professionals and family members are bound by the instructions in a valid AMD, and anyone who knowingly obstructs its execution may face civil or criminal liability — giving every individual’s medical wishes the legal protection they deserve.
The law coming into effect is only the beginning. Real protection comes from understanding what it means and being prepared.
Why Does This Matter?
Giving healthcare professionals a clear basis and legal protection to act
Without an AMD in place, healthcare professionals are often left to make critical decisions under pressure — navigating disagreements between family members with no way to confirm what the patient actually wanted. In such cases, they can only fall back on the principle of acting in the patient’s “best interests”, which may not reflect the patient’s own values or wishes. Once the Ordinance takes effect, healthcare professionals can act on what the patient has documented in writing — with a clearer basis for deciding between active intervention and the avoidance of futile treatment, and an additional layer of legal protection in doing so.
Putting you in control of your own medical decisions
Before the Ordinance, AMDs existed under common law but without a clear statutory framework. After 31 July, healthcare professionals will have a legal obligation to follow a valid AMD. No one — not even family members — can override it. The decisions you make while you are mentally capable will still speak for you when you no longer can. At the same time, an AMD relieves your loved ones of an enormous burden: knowing that the decisions made at your bedside reflect your own carefully considered wishes, rather than choices they were forced to make under pressure — and sparing them the guilt of feeling responsible for a life-or-death call that was never theirs to make.
The Law Coming Into Force Doesn't Mean You're Automatically Protected
Making an AMD requires meeting strict legal requirements — ensuring the process is done properly is only the first step (click here to learn how to make a valid AMD). If you have already made one, that does not mean there is nothing left to do once the Ordinance takes effect. Here are the things to follow up on:
Keep it somewhere it can be found
The original should be held by you, a family member, or an emergency contact who can present it to healthcare professionals when needed. It is also worth having a certified true copy made for someone you trust. You can also choose to have your AMD uploaded to the eHealth system, allowing healthcare professionals to access it at any time — including in an emergency.
It can be revoked at any time
The Ordinance is built on the principle of "cautious making, easy revoking". As long as you still have the mental capacity to make decisions about life-sustaining treatment, you can revoke your AMD at any point — in writing, verbally, or by destroying the document. No doctor's witness is required.
Review it regularly and keep the conversation going
Your health, your circumstances and your wishes can all change over time. It is worth revisiting your AMD periodically to make sure it still reflects what you want. If anything changes, make sure the people close to you know. Staying in open communication is one of the most important ways to ensure your wishes are respected when it matters most.
Further reading: AMD Myth-Busting: What If Your Family Disagrees With Your Decision?
Is an AMD Made Before the Ordinance Came Into Effect Still Valid?
The Ordinance provides that AMDs made before it came into effect remain valid under the new legal framework, as long as the signing process met the statutory requirements at the time — no need to start over. Alongside has always used the standard forms set out in the Ordinance and provided AMD services in strict accordance with the legal requirements.
If you are looking to make a new AMD, Alongside offers a professional, one-stop service to guide you through the process.
How Can You Make an AMD in Hong Kong?
In the past, AMDs were made primarily within the Hospital Authority system, initiated by oncologists or palliative care physicians when a patient’s condition reached a certain stage. For people who are still relatively healthy, or who simply want to plan ahead, accessing this process through the public healthcare system has not always been straightforward.
Alongside offers a community-based alternative. With the new law now in effect, Advance Medical Directives are not just for those who are terminally ill — they are an important legal tool for anyone who wants to take ownership of their medical decisions. Regardless of your age or current health status, you can make an appointment with us as long as you meet the legal requirements. To date, we have helped more than 200 people make their AMDs and are a trusted AMD service provider in the community.
Our one-stop service covers everything you need:
Registered doctor witness
We arrange for a qualified witness and a registered doctor to be present at signing, ensuring the document fully complies with the statutory requirements.
Dedicated case manager
A dedicated case manager will walk you through the entire process, answer your questions and explain the document in detail.
Certified true copy
We provide a certified true copy of your AMD for safekeeping.
eHealth upload
We assist with uploading your AMD to the eHealth system, carried out by a registered doctor as required by law.
Visit our AMD service page to find out more.
Take the First Step Towards Lifelong Autonomy
Everyone’s health, family situation and life plans are different. If you would like to find out how an AMD fits your specific circumstances — and how it can help safeguard your dignity and wishes — reach out via our WhatsApp AI chatbot or book a consultation with our team.