Advance Directive Template Guide
An advance directive is a legal document that outlines your healthcare preferences and designates someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. This comprehensive guide will help you create a thorough and legally valid advance directive that ensures your healthcare wishes are clearly documented and respected.
What This Template Is For
This advance directive template serves multiple crucial purposes: documenting your specific healthcare preferences, naming your healthcare proxy (also called a medical power of attorney), specifying end-of-life care wishes, and providing clear instructions for medical treatments you do or don't want. It helps prevent confusion among family members and ensures healthcare providers understand and follow your wishes.
When To Use This Template
You should create an advance directive while you're healthy and able to make clear decisions. Key times to create or update your advance directive include: reaching adulthood (18+), before major surgery, after a serious diagnosis, when starting a family, or during retirement planning. Regular reviews every 3-5 years are recommended to ensure it reflects your current wishes.
How To Customize It
- Review your state's specific requirements for advance directives
- Choose your healthcare proxy (agent) and alternates
- Document specific medical treatments you do or don't want
- Specify your end-of-life care preferences
- Include any religious or cultural considerations
- Have the document witnessed and/or notarized per state laws
- Distribute copies to your healthcare proxy, alternate agents, primary physician, and family members
Common Use Cases
- Specifying life support preferences
- Documenting organ donation wishes
- Outlining pain management preferences
- Stating religious or cultural medical restrictions
- Defining quality of life considerations
Best Practices
- Be specific about medical treatments and conditions
- Choose a reliable healthcare proxy who understands your wishes
- Include alternate agents as backup
- Review and update regularly
- Store copies in accessible locations
- Inform key people about the document's location
Template Variations
Different states have varying requirements for advance directives. Common variations include: living will only, healthcare proxy designation only, combined advance directive, or POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) forms. Some states also offer specialized versions for terminal illness or dementia care.
Success Stories
Many families have avoided difficult situations because of clear advance directives. For example, a retired teacher's advance directive helped her family honor her wish to avoid artificial nutrition during a terminal illness. Another case involved a young father whose specific instructions guided his care after a serious accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer to create an advance directive?
No, though you may want legal review. Most states provide free forms.
When does an advance directive take effect?
Only when you're unable to make or communicate medical decisions.
Can I change my advance directive?
Yes, you can modify or revoke it anytime while mentally competent.
Is my advance directive valid in other states?
Most states honor out-of-state directives, but creating state-specific versions is recommended if you spend significant time in multiple states.
Who should have copies of my advance directive?
Your healthcare proxy, alternate agents, primary physician, and close family members.