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Preparing & Notarizing Your
Advanced Healthcare Directives
In-Person or Online
What Is an Advanced Healthcare Directive and Where Can You Get Them?
Understanding Advanced Healthcare Directives
An Advanced Healthcare Directive (often referred to as a living will or medical directive) is a legal document that allows individuals to clearly state their preferences for medical treatment in the event they are unable to communicate their wishes. This directive ensures that healthcare providers, loved ones, and decision-makers have written instructions to follow when difficult medical choices arise, such as life support, resuscitation, or long-term care.
One of the most important features of an Advanced Healthcare Directive is that it gives people control over their healthcare, even if they are incapacitated. By creating a directive, individuals reduce the burden on family members who might otherwise face stressful decisions without guidance. It also prevents disputes between loved ones and provides physicians with legally binding instructions, ensuring that medical care aligns with the individual’s values and beliefs.
It is important to note that Estate Plans contain Advanced Healthcare components.
Understanding Advanced Healthcare Directives
An Advanced Healthcare Directive typically consists of two primary components, though states may include additional options depending on local laws:
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Living Will – This section outlines your specific treatment preferences. It covers decisions such as whether you would want to be placed on a ventilator, receive artificial nutrition and hydration, undergo dialysis, or be resuscitated if your heart stops. A living will can also express your wishes about pain management, organ donation, and end-of-life comfort care.
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Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare (Healthcare Proxy or Agent Designation) – This document allows you to appoint a trusted individual, often called a healthcare agent or proxy, to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. This person should be someone you trust deeply, who understands your values, and who will advocate for your preferences when you cannot speak for yourself.
Other documents or provisions that may be included within or alongside an Advanced Healthcare Directive are:
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Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders – Specific instructions for medical staff regarding resuscitation efforts.
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Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) – A medical order used in some states that outlines your wishes for emergency medical care. It may include a pre-hospital directive and a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order that is printed on bright orange paper.
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Organ and Tissue Donation Statements – Instructions about whether you wish to donate organs after death.
Advanced Healthcare Directives Are FREE in Every State
A major advantage for the public is that all 50 states offer a free version of an Advanced Healthcare Directive. These forms are made available through state health departments, attorney general’s offices, or local government websites. While the design and terminology may vary slightly from state to state, the purpose remains consistent: to document your healthcare preferences in writing. Because these forms are state-specific, individuals should always complete the version applicable to their place of residence.
Since the forms are free, there is no barrier to entry for anyone wishing to put their healthcare wishes in writing. While attorneys and legal document preparers can provide additional customization, the free state-issued versions are legally valid and widely accepted in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities.
How We Can Assist You With Notarizing Your Advanced Healthcare Directives
We Can Offer Two Affordable Solutions to Have Your Advanced Healthcare Directives Notarized
1) In-Person Mobile Notary Services:
In-person mobile Notary Public services are available in most places nationwide. If you would like to schedule in-person mobile notary services to execute your Advanced Healthcare Directives at your home, place of work, hospital, or care facility we can provide you a FREE quote by sending your request out to all of the mobile notary contractors in your area. Our database hosts every single mobile Notary Public withing 100 miles radius. We are able to see their feedback from other clients, their advanced training, and their experience levels to ensure you get the best quality for your quote.
In-person services generally range between $75 and $125 in highly populated areas. And may be more expensive for more rural areas.
Once you've downloaded your state's Advanced Health Care Directives you can click here to request a quote for in-person mobile notary services.
2) Remote Online Notary Services:
Thanks to Remote Online Notarization we can now assist you in most states completing your Advanced Healthcare Directives if you have access to WiFi or Cellular enabled device that has two-way audio and video communication such as a computer, tablet, or smart phone. Services for Remote Online Notarization start at $40 per signer and only increase a few dollars per Notarized document.
Once you've downloaded your state's Advanced Healthcare Directive you can click here to schedule a Remote Online Notarization with one of our expert Notaries.