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
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.
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.
Discuss your decision with your physician, family, spouse or partner. Make sure that all of the important people in your life know your desires.
Sign the form in front of witnesses. Ask the witnesses to sign if required.
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.