Advance Directive Add Required Fields For Free

Advance directives generally fall into three categories: living will, power of attorney and health care proxy.

An advance directive, alone, may not be sufficient to stop all forms of life-saving treatment. You may also need specific do not resuscitate, or DNR orders.You retain the right to override the decisions or your representative, change the terms of your living will or POA, or completely revoke an advance directive.

What to include in your advance directive: The name and contact information of your healthcare agent or proxy. Answers to specific questions about your preferences for care if you become unable to speak for yourself. The forms and questions asked vary a bit from state to state.

Federal law does not require individuals to complete any form of advance directive (and nor do state laws), and it expressly forbids requiring an advance directive as a requisite for treatment.

Advance directives need to be in writing. Each state has different forms and requirements for creating legal documents. Depending on where you live, a form may need to be signed by a witness or notarized. You can ask a lawyer to help you with the process, but it is generally not necessary.

It should include your known wishes about treatment. An Advance Care Directive is a way to say what healthcare treatments you would like to have or refuse, should you find yourself in a position where you are seriously ill or injured and unable to make or communicate decisions about your treatment and care.

Types of Advance DirectivesThe living will.Durable power of attorney for health care/Medical power of attorney.POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment)Do not resuscitate (DNR) orders.Organ and tissue donation.May 13, 2019