State Requirements

Advance directive laws are established by each state. While the purpose of an advance directive is the same everywhere—to document your healthcare decisions and identify the person you trust to make healthcare decisions on your behalf—the legal requirements for completing one can vary from state to state.

MyDirectives helps simplify the process by providing advance directives designed to meet your state's requirements. When you register, your specific state requirements will be part of the process to create and complete your advance directive.

Requirements May Vary

Depending on where you live, your state may have different requirements for:

Witnesses
Notarization
Required forms or language
Eligibility to serve as a witness
How healthcare agents are designated

Following your state's requirements helps ensure your advance directive is legally valid.

What If I Move?

If you move to another state, it's a good idea to review your advance directive.

Many states recognize advance directives completed elsewhere, but legal requirements and terminology can differ. Updating your advance directive after you move helps ensure it reflects your current choices and complies with your new state's laws.

Learn about what to do if you move after completing your advance directive.

Learn what to do if you change your mind about your advance directive.

What If My Decisions Change?

Your advance directive isn't permanent.

You can review and update it whenever your healthcare decisions, healthcare agent, or personal circumstances change. After making changes, make sure the updated version is accessible to your healthcare agent, loved ones, and healthcare providers.

State-Specific Information

State requirements may include witnesses, notarization, or other legal formalities. MyDirectives provides options to address these needs to help you complete your documents with confidence.

If you have questions about your state's requirements or unique legal situations, you may also wish to consult an attorney or your healthcare provider.

One Goal Across Every State

Although the legal requirements may differ, the purpose of advance care planning remains the same:

To help ensure your healthcare choices are known and respected if you're ever unable to make or communicate your own healthcare decisions.

That's why completing an advance directive—and keeping it current—is one of the most important steps you can take for yourself and your loved ones.

Create a free MyDirectives account to take the next step.

Your Decisions Can Move With You

Your advance directive and other advance care planning documents may need to meet different requirements from state to state, but your healthcare decisions remain yours. MyDirectives helps you keep your advance care planning documents current, secure, and available wherever care takes you.

Create an Account

Ready to make your healthcare decisions known?

Create a free MyDirectives account.

Create an advance directive or securely store and manage advance care planning documents you already have.

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