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Creating advance directives Advance directives need to be in writing. Each state has different forms and requirements for creating legal documents. Depending on where you live, a form may need to be signed by a witness or notarized. You can ask a lawyer to help you with the process, but it is generally not necessary.

What to include in your advance directive: The name and contact information of your healthcare agent or proxy. Answers to specific questions about your preferences for care if you become unable to speak for yourself. The forms and questions asked vary a bit from state to state.

An advance directive isn't the same as a DNR DNRs, like POLST forms, require a physician's sign-off and are medical orders, instructing emergency personnel to withhold resuscitation efforts. If you don't want to receive resuscitation, including that information in an advance care directive is not enough.

A specific and common example of an advance directive is a do not resuscitate order (or DNR), which guides care only if your heart stops beating (cardiac arrest) or you are no longer breathing.

If your doctor has already written a DNR order at your request, your family may not override it. You may have named someone to speak for you, such as a health care agent. If so, this person or a legal guardian can agree to a DNR order for you.

How to get advance directivesYour health care provider.Your attorney.Your local Area Agency on Aging.Your state health department.

Get the living will and medical power of attorney forms for your state, or use a universal form that has been approved by many states. Choose your health care agent. Fill out the forms, and have them witnessed as your state requires.