An advance directive documents what medical treatment you want — and don't want — if you become unable to speak for yourself. It's one of the most important legal documents you'll ever create.
What Is an Advance Directive?
An advance directive is a legal document that expresses your wishes for medical care in the event that you cannot communicate them. It typically includes a living will (treatment preferences) and/or a healthcare proxy designation (naming someone to make decisions on your behalf). Requirements vary by state.
Living Will vs. Healthcare Proxy
- Living will — Describes specific treatments you do or don't want in defined circumstances (terminal illness, persistent vegetative state, etc.)
- Healthcare proxy / durable POA for health — Names a person to make decisions for you in real time, including situations your living will doesn't anticipate
POLST Forms
A POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) is not the same as an advance directive — it's a medical order signed by your physician that applies to emergency and end-of-life care. POLST is appropriate for people with serious illness or advanced age, not typically for general advance planning.
How to Create One in Your State
Download your state's official form (available free from your state health department, hospital, or organizations like CaringInfo.org), complete it with your preferences, sign it before the required witnesses, and distribute copies to your physician, your healthcare proxy, and anyone who might be in a position to access your medical care.
Where to Store It
- Give a copy to your healthcare proxy
- Give a copy to your primary care physician for your medical file
- Keep a copy at home in an accessible (not locked) location
- Store a copy in the cloud or with your attorney
