Step 1: Understand the purpose of the directive. An advance healthcare directive allows you to outline your medical treatment preferences. This document can specify the types of medical care you do or do not want, and it can appoint a healthcare proxy to make decisions on your behalf.
Step 2: Get the correct forms. Missouri provides specific forms for creating an advance healthcare directive. You can get these forms from healthcare providers, legal offices or online through the Missouri Bar Association’s website. Using the correct forms will help make your directive legally binding.
Step 3: Complete the forms with specific instructions. Fill out the forms with as much detail as possible about your medical preferences. This includes specifying treatments you want to receive or avoid, such as resuscitation, mechanical ventilation or tube feeding. Clear instructions help healthcare providers and your appointed proxy understand and respect your wishes.
Step 4: Appoint a healthcare proxy. A healthcare proxy, or durable power of attorney for healthcare, is someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. Choose a person who understands your values and wishes, and is willing to advocate for your preferences. Discuss your wishes with them in detail to ensure they are prepared to act according to your directive.
Step 5: Sign and notarize the document. For your advance healthcare directive to be valid in Missouri, it must be signed by two witnesses age 18 or older, and a notary public if you create a durable power of attorney for healthcare. Notarization adds an extra layer of legal validation to your document.
Step 6: Distribute copies to relevant parties. Once your directive is completed and signed, distribute copies to your healthcare proxy, family members and doctors. Keeping everyone informed ensures that your wishes are accessible and can be followed in an emergency.
Step 7. Review and update periodically. Keep in mind that your medical preferences may change over time. So you should review and update your advance healthcare directive to reflect those changes. Any updates should be documented and signed, and then distributed to all relevant parties so that everyone is informed.