Advance Healthcare Directive
Document your healthcare wishes and name someone to make medical decisions if you cannot.
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About Advance Healthcare Directive
An Advance Healthcare Directive is a document that records your wishes for medical care and names a person to make healthcare decisions for you if you become unable to do so. It often combines a living will with the appointment of a healthcare agent.
The living will portion states your preferences about treatments such as life support and comfort care, while the healthcare agent portion names someone you trust to speak for you. Together they guide providers and loved ones when you cannot communicate.
This document gives you a voice in your care and reduces uncertainty for your family. It should be completed while you are able to make decisions, and it typically must be signed with witnesses or a notary depending on where you live.
Who needs to complete it
- Adults who want their medical wishes documented in advance
- People who want to name a trusted healthcare agent
- Individuals with specific preferences about life-sustaining treatment
- Patients planning for surgery or serious illness
- Anyone who wants to reduce uncertainty for their family about care decisions
How to fill out Advance Healthcare Directive
- 1Enter your full name and identifying details.
- 2Name the healthcare agent who will make decisions for you.
- 3Name an alternate agent in case the first is unavailable.
- 4State your wishes about life-sustaining treatment and comfort care.
- 5Note any specific instructions or limits on your agent's authority.
- 6Review the witnessing or notarization requirements that apply to you.
- 7Sign and date the document in front of the required witnesses or a notary.
- 8Give copies to your agent, family, and healthcare providers.
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Frequently asked questions
What is an advance healthcare directive?
It is a document that records your medical care wishes and names a person to make healthcare decisions for you if you cannot make them yourself.
How is it different from a living will?
A living will states treatment preferences, while an advance directive often combines those preferences with the appointment of a healthcare agent.
Does this template work in every state?
This is a general template. Requirements for advance directives, including witnessing and notarization, vary by state, so confirm the rules that apply where you live.
Can I change my directive later?
Yes. You can update or revoke your directive while you are able to make decisions, and you should share the current version with your agent and providers.