Advance Directive Save PNG For Free

After you create your advance directive, you must sign your document and have it either signed by two witnesses or notarized. If you choose to have the document witnessed, neither of your witnesses may be: your health care agent.

What is a healthcare directive? A directive is a legal document through which a capable person gives another individual the authority in advance to make decisions on his or her behalf while alive. Typically, it allows the authorized individual to make healthcare decisions when the patient becomes incapable.

There are two main elements in an advance directivea living will and a durable power of attorney for health care. There are also other documents that can supplement your advance directive. You can choose which documents to create, depending on how you want decisions to be made.

How do you write an advance directive?Get the living will and medical power of attorney forms for your state, or use a universal form that has been approved by many states.Choose your health care agent.Fill out the forms, and have them witnessed as your state requires.More items...

A copy of your advance directives should be in your file and medical record. Your hospital chart. If you are in the hospital, ask to have a copy of your advance directives put in your chart. (Your health care agent or a family member should do so if you are unable to do it.)

There are two main types of advance directive the Living Will and the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care. There are also hybrid documents which combine elements of the Living Will with those of the Durable Power of Attorney. A Living Will is the oldest type of health care advance directive.

As noted above, the careful attorney will note where the original, signed Power of Attorney is kept. The attorney will also give copies to each appointed Agent, and will instruct that a copy of any Healthcare Power of Attorney be given to the client's doctor.