Texas Statutory Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates includes Living Will provisions
What this document covers
The Statutory Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates, which includes Living Will provisions, is a legal document provided under the Texas Health and Safety Code. This form enables competent adults to express their medical treatment wishes for times when they may be unable to communicate those wishes due to illness or injury. It is a vital tool for ensuring that individuals' preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments are respected, distinguishing it from other advance directives like a Medical Power of Attorney. This directive allows for personalized instructions based on individual values and circumstances.
When to use this form
This form should be used when you want to ensure that your medical treatment preferences are honored, particularly if you become unable to communicate your wishes. It is especially important during serious illnesses, surgeries, or if you have a chronic condition that may require significant medical intervention. Using this directive helps your loved ones and healthcare providers understand your values and decisions regarding life-sustaining treatment options.
Who can use this document
- Individuals aged 18 years or older who are competent to make their own healthcare decisions.
- People who wish to communicate their medical treatment preferences clearly.
- Individuals facing serious health issues or chronic conditions.
- Those wanting to relieve their families from the burden of making difficult healthcare decisions during critical times.
Instructions for completing this form
- Begin by answering the identification question regarding your full name.
- Clearly state your treatment preferences for both terminal and irreversible conditions.
- Designate any spokesperson to make treatment decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.
- Review the form with your physician or family to ensure alignment with your values.
- Sign and date the document in the presence of two eligible witnesses.
Notarization guidance
Notarization is generally not required for this form. However, certain states or situations might demand it. You can complete notarization online through US Legal Forms, powered by Notarize, using a verified video call available anytime.
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Make edits, fill in missing information, and update formatting in US Legal Forms—just like you would in MS Word.
Download a copy, print it, send it by email, or mail it via USPS—whatever works best for your next step.
Sign and collect signatures with our SignNow integration. Send to multiple recipients, set reminders, and more. Go Premium to unlock E-Sign.
If this form requires notarization, complete it online through a secure video call—no need to meet a notary in person or wait for an appointment.
We protect your documents and personal data by following strict security and privacy standards.
Common mistakes
- Failing to discuss preferences with family or healthcare providers before completing the form.
- Not having the required two witnesses sign the directive.
- Leaving key treatment decisions blank, which can lead to confusion later.
- Neglecting to regularly review and update the directive as personal wishes evolve.
Benefits of using this form online
- Convenient access to legal form templates drafted by licensed attorneys.
- Editable formats that allow you to customize your directive based on personal preferences.
- Immediate download and printing options for fast execution.
- Guidance provided throughout the form completion process to minimize errors.
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FAQ
A living will is a vital part of the estate plan.But your family cannot override your living will. They cannot take away your authority to make your own treatment and care plans. In fact, you always retain the right to override your own decisions.
An advance directive is a set of instructions someone prepares in advance of ill health that determines his healthcare wishes. A living will is one type of advance directive that becomes effective when a person is terminally ill.
Not necessarily. A doctor is not required to be involved in this process. However, it may be wise to ask your doctor his or her feelings about honoring your Living Will and ask about the policy on Living Wills at the hospital where he or she practices.
An advance health care directive or AHCD (otherwise known as a living will, personal directive, or medical directive) is a document that instructs others about your medical care should you be unable to make decisions on your own.
Overview: In Texas you must fill out two separate forms to have a complete Advance Directive: A Living Will called a "Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates" and a "Medical Power of Attorney" (a.k.a. Health Care Proxy).
An advance healthcare directive, also known as living will, personal directive, advance directive, medical directive or advance decision, is a legal document in which a person specifies what actions should be taken for their health if they are no longer able to make decisions for themselves because of illness or
The law requires that you sign your advance directive, or direct another to sign it, in the presence of two adult witnesses, who must also sign the document.
A living will is a type of an advance directive. It is also a written document outlining your wishes for your health, to be followed if you cannot make decisions or express your wishes. It typically focuses on situations where you are terminally ill, and explains whether you would wish life-sustaining efforts be made.
Advance directives generally fall into three categories: living will, power of attorney and health care proxy. LIVING WILL: This is a written document that specifies what types of medical treatment are desired.
