An advance directive is a legal document that allows you to give instructions for a broad range of health care decisions and appoint an agent to make those decisions for you if you become unable or unwilling to do so yourself. It is any written communication from you, properly signed and witnessed, that speaks about your future wishes and preferences for treatment.
Because advance directives express your values, they provide the best possible guidance to those who will make decisions about your care when needed. Completing an advance directive also allows you to designate a health care agent, a person of your choosing who can make decisions for you in the event that you are no longer able to speak for yourself.
- You have the right to give instructions about what types of health care you want or do not want.
- You also have the right to name someone else to make health care decisions for you when you are unable to make them yourself.
- You may do either of these by telling your family or your doctor, but it is generally better for you and your family if you write down your wishes.
- You may use this form in its entirety or you may use any part of it. For example, if you simply want to choose an agent in Part One, you may do so and go directly to Part Seven to sign this in the presence of appropriate witnesses.
- You are also free to use a different form as long as it is properly signed and witnessed.
You should give copies of the completed form to your agent and alternate agent, to your physician(s), your family and to any health care facility where you reside or at which you are likely to receive care. You should keep a list of those who have copies in case you revoke or revise the document in the future. You have the right to revoke all or part of this advance directive for health care or replace this form at any time, with the exception of the Waiver of Right to Request or Object to Treatment. This Waiver may only be suspended or revoked when you are deemed to have capacity. If you do revoke it, all old copies should be destroyed.
You should also file your Advance Directive with the Vermont Advance Directive Registry (VADR). To access it go to the VT Health Department’s website.
You may wish to read the booklet Taking Steps by the Vermont Ethics Network to help you think about and discuss different choices and situations with your agent or loved ones. You can reach them by calling 802-828-2909 or by e-mail ven@vtethicsnetwork.org. Forms may also be downloaded from their website, www.vtethicsnetwork.org.
Advance Directive for Health Care – Long Form (pdf)
Advance Directive for Health Care – Short Form (pdf)
Vermont Advance Directive Forms in American Sign Language – Video made by Vermont Ethics Network