Advance Care Directives (Living Will)

An Advance Care Directive is a legal document that allows you to make your wishes about your healthcare known in advance to your physicians, family and friends. An Advance Care Directive can help avoid confusion if your health status declines and you are not able to tell your physicians what you want. If you do not have a living will, are not able to speak for yourself and have a terminal condition, your physician and certain family members may make critical decisions for you.

Every adult of sound mind has the right to be informed of his or her medical condition, prognosis and treatment options. Every adult has the right to make his or her wishes known through an Advance Care Directive. 

Every state has laws governing Advance Care Directives. In Texas, there are two parts. The first is a directive to physicians that lets you leave instructions on what you do or do not want to occur in the event that you are diagnosed with a terminal illness or irreversible condition and are unable to speak for yourself. The second part designates a medical power of attorney, sometimes referred to as a healthcare agent, to speak for you if you are not able to speak for yourself.

Creating An Advance Care Directive

It is never too early to complete an Advance Care Directive. This document protects your wishes and gives clear direction concerning future treatment you may or may not receive, based on your wishes.

If you wish to create an Advance Care Directive, you can download and complete the forms here. State law requires that you do so with two competent adults who are not related to you acting as witnesses. 

• Texas Directive to Physicians and Family and Surrogates (PDF)
• Texas Medical Power of Attorney (PDF)