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What is a Healthcare Directive (Advance Directive)?

A healthcare directive (also known as an advance directive or living will) is a legal document that outlines your wishes for medical treatment if you become unable to communicate. It typically includes a living will (treatment preferences) and a healthcare power of attorney (appointing a proxy to make decisions on your behalf).

When do you need one?

Every adult should have a healthcare directive. It is especially important before surgery, during serious illness, when aging, or when planning for incapacity. Without one, family members may disagree on treatment, and courts may need to intervene.

Does it need to be notarized?

Requirements vary by state. Many states require notarization, witness signatures, or both. Notarization is always recommended regardless of state requirements to ensure the document is accepted by all healthcare providers.

Can you notarize a Healthcare Directive (Advance Directive) online in your state?

Yes — in every state. 45 states have enacted their own remote online notarization (RON) laws, and residents of the remaining states can legally notarize online with a commissioned notary in a RON-authorized state; the notarization is valid nationwide under interstate recognition rules. Select your state for its specific requirements.

AlabamaValid via out-of-state notaryAlaskaRON authorized since 2021ArizonaRON authorized since 2020ArkansasRON authorized since 2020CaliforniaLaw pending — valid via out-of-state notaryColoradoRON authorized since 2020ConnecticutRON authorized since 2023DelawareLaw pending — valid via out-of-state notaryDistrict of ColumbiaRON authorized since 2023FloridaRON authorized since 2020GeorgiaValid via out-of-state notaryHawaiiRON authorized since 2024IdahoRON authorized since 2020IllinoisRON authorized since 2022IndianaRON authorized since 2019IowaRON authorized since 2020KansasRON authorized since 2021KentuckyRON authorized since 2020LouisianaRON authorized since 2022MaineRON authorized since 2023MarylandRON authorized since 2020MassachusettsRON authorized since 2023MichiganRON authorized since 2019MinnesotaRON authorized since 2019MississippiLaw pending — valid via out-of-state notaryMissouriRON authorized since 2020MontanaRON authorized since 2019NebraskaRON authorized since 2020NevadaRON authorized since 2019New HampshireRON authorized since 2022New JerseyRON authorized since 2022New MexicoRON authorized since 2021New YorkRON authorized since 2023North CarolinaRON authorized since 2023North DakotaRON authorized since 2019OhioRON authorized since 2019OklahomaRON authorized since 2020OregonRON authorized since 2022PennsylvaniaRON authorized since 2020Rhode IslandRON authorized since 2023South CarolinaValid via out-of-state notarySouth DakotaRON authorized since 2020TennesseeRON authorized since 2019TexasRON authorized since 2018UtahRON authorized since 2019VermontRON authorized since 2022VirginiaRON authorized since 2012WashingtonRON authorized since 2020West VirginiaRON authorized since 2021WisconsinRON authorized since 2020WyomingRON authorized since 2021

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Frequently asked questions

Does a healthcare directive need to be notarized?
Requirements vary by state. Many states require notarization, witnesses, or both. Notarization is always recommended to ensure acceptance by hospitals and providers.
What is the difference between a living will and a healthcare directive?
A living will only states your treatment preferences. A healthcare directive combines a living will with a healthcare power of attorney — naming someone to make decisions on your behalf.
Can I change my healthcare directive?
Yes. You can revoke or update your healthcare directive at any time while mentally competent. Create a new document, notify your healthcare agent, and provide copies to your doctors.
Is a healthcare directive the same as a DNR?
No. A DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) is a specific medical order. A healthcare directive is broader — it covers many types of treatment and names a decision-maker.
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