Do-it-Yourself Advance Directives

An advance directive states your wishes for end-of-life care. The directive can take one of several forms: either stated in a living will or in a medical power of attorney. Different states have different laws governing the completion of advance directives. Utah, for example requires a physician, nurse practitioner or social worker to complete a POLST, or Physicians Order for Life Sustaining Treatment. But other states, such as Wisconsin, have far fewer requirements.

Instructions

• 1

  Get a copy of your state's living will form. They are available at any health department or hospital. Many states make the forms available online free of charge.

• 2

  Look over the options available in your state. Decide what, if any, life-sustaining measures you wish the doctor to use. Fill out the form to represent your wishes. There are a wide range of choices, including do not resuscitate orders, life-sustaining treatment and pain management.

• 3

  Discuss your decision with your physician, family, spouse or partner. Make sure that all of the important people in your life know your desires.

• 4

  Sign the form in front of witnesses. Ask the witnesses to sign if required.

• 5

  Store the advance directive in a safe place. Do not store the form in a safety deposit box in a bank. In most states, only the owner of the box has access. That means that if you are incapacitated, no one else has access to your wishes.