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When it comes to planning for the future, a Missouri Living Will is an essential tool that empowers individuals to express their healthcare wishes in the event they become unable to communicate those decisions themselves. This legal document allows you to outline your preferences regarding medical treatments and interventions, ensuring that your values and desires are respected during critical moments. By specifying what types of life-sustaining measures you would or would not want, you can relieve your loved ones from the burden of making difficult choices on your behalf. The form covers various scenarios, including the use of resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, and nutrition or hydration support. It’s important to understand that a Living Will only takes effect when you are incapacitated and unable to make your own decisions. Additionally, this document can be modified or revoked at any time while you are still capable of making decisions, giving you control over your healthcare even as circumstances change. With a Missouri Living Will, you not only safeguard your personal wishes but also provide clarity and peace of mind for your family during challenging times.
Missouri Living Will Preview
Missouri Living Will
This Living Will is created in accordance with the laws of Missouri. It expresses your wishes regarding medical treatment if you become unable to communicate them.
Personal Information
Full Name:
Date of Birth:
Address:
Declaration
If I become unable to make my own healthcare decisions, I wish to state the following:
- I do not want my life to be prolonged by artificial means if I have a terminal condition.
- I do not want resuscitation if my heart stops beating.
- If I am in a persistent vegetative state, I do not wish to receive life-sustaining treatment.
Healthcare Proxy
I hereby designate the following person as my healthcare proxy:
Full Name of Healthcare Proxy:
Relationship:
Contact Number:
Signatures
This Living Will must be signed by you and witnessed by at least two individuals who are not related to you or named as your proxy.
Signature: _______________________________ Date: _______________
Witness 1 Signature: ______________________ Date: _______________
Witness 2 Signature: ______________________ Date: _______________
Notary Acknowledgment
State of Missouri, County of ____________
Subscribed and sworn before me on this ___ day of ______________, 20__.
Notary Public: ____________________________
My Commission Expires: ________________
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Dos and Don'ts
When it comes to filling out the Missouri Living Will form, there are essential steps to consider. This document plays a crucial role in outlining your healthcare preferences in the event that you become unable to communicate your wishes. Here’s a guide on what to do and what to avoid:
- Do clearly state your medical preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments.
- Do ensure that you are of sound mind when completing the form.
- Do discuss your wishes with family members or loved ones to ensure they understand your choices.
- Do sign and date the form in the presence of a witness, as required by Missouri law.
- Don't leave any sections blank; incomplete forms can lead to confusion or misinterpretation.
- Don't use vague language; be as specific as possible about your healthcare desires.
By following these guidelines, you can create a Living Will that accurately reflects your wishes and provides clarity for your loved ones during difficult times.
Key takeaways
Filling out and using the Missouri Living Will form is an important step in ensuring your healthcare wishes are respected. Here are five key takeaways to consider:
- Understand the Purpose: A Living Will outlines your preferences regarding medical treatment in situations where you cannot communicate your wishes.
- Eligibility: You must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind to complete the form.
- Specific Instructions: Clearly state your desires regarding life-sustaining treatment, including whether you want to receive or refuse such treatment.
- Signature Requirements: The form must be signed by you and witnessed by two individuals who are not related to you or entitled to any part of your estate.
- Review and Update: Regularly review your Living Will to ensure it reflects your current wishes, especially after major life changes.
Misconceptions
Many people have misunderstandings about the Missouri Living Will form. These misconceptions can lead to confusion and even anxiety about end-of-life decisions. Here are six common misconceptions:
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A Living Will is the same as a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care.
While both documents deal with medical decisions, they serve different purposes. A Living Will outlines your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment, while a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care designates someone to make health care decisions on your behalf.
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You must be terminally ill to create a Living Will.
This is not true. Anyone over the age of 18 can create a Living Will, regardless of their current health status. It’s a proactive way to ensure your wishes are known.
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A Living Will only applies in a hospital setting.
Many believe that a Living Will is only relevant in a hospital. In reality, it can apply in various medical settings, including nursing homes or hospice care.
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You cannot change or revoke your Living Will.
This misconception is incorrect. You have the right to change or revoke your Living Will at any time, as long as you are mentally competent to do so.
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Your family will automatically know your wishes.
Assuming your family understands your wishes without a formal document can lead to misunderstandings. It’s essential to communicate your desires clearly and ensure that they are documented.
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A Living Will is only for older adults.
This is a common myth. Young adults can also benefit from having a Living Will. Accidents and unexpected medical situations can happen at any age, making it wise to have your wishes documented.
Similar forms
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Advance Directive: Like a Living Will, an Advance Directive outlines your preferences for medical treatment in situations where you cannot communicate your wishes. It may include both your health care preferences and appoint a person to make decisions on your behalf.
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Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care: This document allows you to designate someone to make health care decisions for you if you become unable to do so. It complements a Living Will by providing a trusted person with the authority to act in your best interest.
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Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order: A DNR order specifically instructs medical personnel not to perform CPR if your heart stops or you stop breathing. This document focuses on a specific aspect of care, much like a Living Will addresses specific medical preferences.
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Health Care Proxy: A Health Care Proxy allows you to appoint someone to make health care decisions for you when you are unable to communicate. This is similar to a Living Will, as both documents ensure your health care preferences are honored.