An advance directive allows a person to document their wishes for medical care and appoint a healthcare agent if they become unable to make decisions. They can take the form of a living will to specify treatment preferences or a medical power of attorney to appoint a surrogate. Anyone over 18 can create an advance directive, which provides clarity for loved ones and ensures one's preferences are followed even in an emergency. States have different requirements, so it's important to understand applicable laws. Advance directives can be changed at any time if capable, and reviewing them periodically is recommended.

1. How can I write an
advance directive?
You can write an advance
directive in several ways:
- Use a form provided
by your doctor.
- Write your wishes
down by yourself.
- Download forms
online.
Should I have an advance directive?
By creating an advance directive, you are making your preferences about medical
care known before you're faced with a serious injury or illness. This will spare your
loved ones the stress of making decisions about your care while you are sick. Any
person 18 years of age or older can prepare an advance directive.
People who are seriously or terminally ill are more likely to have an advance
directive. Even if you are in good health, you might want to consider writing an
advance directive. An accident or serious illness can happen suddenly, and if you
already have a signed advance directive, your wishes are more likely to be
followed.
In Illinois:
- A living will allows you
to document your wishes
concerning medical
treatments when your
enable to make healthcare
decisions on your own.
- A medical power of
attorney (or healthcare
proxy) allows you to
appoint a person you trust
as your healthcare agent
(or surrogate decision
maker), who is authorized
to make medical decisions
on your behalf.
- A do not resuscitate
(DNR) order is a request
not to have
cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR) if
your heart stops or if you
stop breathing.
What are Advance
Directives?
An advance directive tells your
doctor what kind of care you
would like to have if you become
unable to make medical decisions
(if you are in a coma, for
example). Advanced Directives
are also state specific.
Advanced Directive - FAQS
more on 2
What are Advance
Directives?
An advance directive tells your
doctor what kind of care you
would like to have if you become
unable to make medical decisions
(if you are in a coma, for
example). Advanced Directives
are also state specific.

2. 2
Can I change my
advance directive?
You may change or cancel
your advance directive at any
time, as long as you are
capable of decision-making.
Again, your changes must be
made, signed and notarized
according to the laws in your
state. Make sure that your
doctor and any family
members who knew about
your directives are also
aware that you have changed
them.
What Else Do I Need to Know?
Emergency medical
technicians cannot honor living
wills or medical powers of
attorney. Once emergency
personnel have been called,
they must do what is necessary
to stabilize a person for
transfer to a hospital, both
from accident sites and from a
home or other facility.
One state’s advance directive
does not always work in
another state. Some states do
honor advance directives from
another state; others will
honor out-of-state advance
directives as long as they are
similar to the state's own law;
and some states do not have
an answer to this question.
Advance directives do not
expire. You should review
your advance directives
periodically to ensure that they
still reflect your wishes.
Useful Resources
www.getpalliativecare.org
https://fivewishesonline.agingwithdignity.org/
http://www.caringinfo.org/files/public/ad/Illinois.pdf
http://www.idph.state.il.us/public/books/advin.htm
http://advancedcarecoalition.org/