---
title: Advance directive and POA forms by state | Plan Before You Die
url: https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/advance-directive-forms-by-state
source: Plan Before You Die
---
# Advance directive forms by state
Find official advance directive and financial power of attorney sources for all 50 states and Washington, DC. Each row separates health care documents, quoted signing excerpts, medical order sources and financial forms. Choose a state to narrow the reference, then read the full source and talk with a lawyer in your state before choosing a document.
- Free. No account needed
- Official state sources
## Where can you find your state's official sources?
Your answers
Which state sources do you want to review?
- All states and Washington, DC
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Washington, DC
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
This filters source links by state. It does not choose a document or decide which signing rule applies to you.
## What should you ask a lawyer in your state?
- Which documents fit my wishes and circumstances?
- Who can witness my signature, and is a notary required?
- How should my family and care team find the signed documents?
Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. Not published means we did not verify that field in the cited state sources. It does not establish that a form or program is unavailable.
## Which rules does this tool use?
| State | Official advance directive or health care proxy | Witness or notary excerpt | POLST-type program or published medical order | Statutory financial power of attorney form | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | **Official source** [Advance Directive for Health Care](https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/cancer/assets/advdirective.pdf) | **Quoted excerpt** [Witnesses (need two witnesses to sign) I am witnessing this form because I believe this person to be of sound mind. I did not sign the person’s signature, and I am not the health care proxy. I am not related to the person by blood, adoption, or marriage and not entitled to any part of his or her estate. I am at least 19 years of age and am not directly responsible for paying for his or her medical care.
](https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/cancer/assets/advdirective.pdf) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. | **Official source** [Portable Physician Do Not Attempt Resuscitation Order. This is a narrower DNAR order.](https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/providerstandards/advance-directives.html) | **Official source** [Not published](https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/cancer/assets/advdirective.pdf) | [Alabama Department of Public Health](https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/cancer/assets/advdirective.pdf); [Alabama Department of Public Health](https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/providerstandards/advance-directives.html) |
| Alaska | **Official source** [Court referral to Advance Health Care Directive forms and instructions](https://courts.alaska.gov/shc/probate/before-death.htm) | **Quoted excerpt** [Not published](https://courts.alaska.gov/shc/probate/before-death.htm) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. | **Official source** [Not published](https://courts.alaska.gov/shc/probate/before-death.htm) | **Official source** [Not published](https://courts.alaska.gov/shc/probate/before-death.htm) | [Alaska Court System](https://courts.alaska.gov/shc/probate/before-death.htm) |
| Arizona | **Official source** [Health Care Power of Attorney](https://www.azag.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08/LCP%20-%20Healthcare%20POA_8.4.26.pdf) | **Quoted excerpt** [At least one adult witness, not to include the proxy if there is one, OR a notary public must witness you signing this document. DO NOT have the documents signed by both a witness and a notary, just pick one. If you do not know a notary or cannot pay for one, a witness is legally accepted. Witnesses or notary public CANNOT be anyone who is: (a) under the age of 18 (b) related to you by blood, adoption, or marriage (c) entitled to any part of your estate (d) appointed as your agent (e) involved in providing your health care at the time this form is signed
](https://www.azag.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08/LCP%20-%20Healthcare%20POA_8.4.26.pdf) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. | **Official source** [POLST form referral](https://www.azag.gov/issues/elder-affairs/life-care-planning) | **Official source** [Not published](https://www.azag.gov/issues/elder-affairs/life-care-planning) | [Arizona Attorney General](https://www.azag.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08/LCP%20-%20Healthcare%20POA_8.4.26.pdf); [Arizona Attorney General](https://www.azag.gov/issues/elder-affairs/life-care-planning) |
| Arkansas | **Official source** [Advance Care Plan](https://healthy.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/AdvanceCarePlanForm.pdf) | **Quoted excerpt** [Your signature should either be witnessed by two competent adults or notarized. If witnessed, neither witness should be the person you appointed as your agent, and at least one of the witnesses should be someone who is not related to you or entitled to any part of your estate.
](https://healthy.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/AdvanceCarePlanForm.pdf) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. **Conditions** POLST does not replace an advance directive. | **Official source** [Arkansas Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment](https://healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/certificates-records/polst/polst-forms-directions/) | **Official source** [Not published](https://healthy.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/AdvanceCarePlanForm.pdf) | [Arkansas Department of Health](https://healthy.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/AdvanceCarePlanForm.pdf); [Arkansas Department of Health](https://healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/certificates-records/polst/polst-forms-directions/) |
| California | **Official source** [Statutory Advance Health Care Directive](https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/media/ProbateCodeAdvanceHealthCareDirectiveForm-fillable.pdf) | **Quoted excerpt** [After completing this form, sign and date the form at the end. The form must be signed by two qualified witnesses or acknowledged before a notary public.
](https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/media/ProbateCodeAdvanceHealthCareDirectiveForm-fillable.pdf) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. **Conditions** The form lists excluded witnesses. At least one witness must satisfy its additional family and estate-interest declaration. **Conditions** Skilled nursing facility patients have an additional patient advocate or ombudsman statement. | **Official source** [Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment. Voluntary medical-order referral.](https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHCQ/LCP/Pages/AFL-09-27.aspx) | **Official source** [California Statutory Power of Attorney form](https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/wills-estates-probate/legal-documents) | [California Department of Justice](https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/media/ProbateCodeAdvanceHealthCareDirectiveForm-fillable.pdf); [California Courts](https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/wills-estates-probate/legal-documents); [California Department of Public Health](https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHCQ/LCP/Pages/AFL-09-27.aspx) |
| Colorado | **Official source** [Not published](https://olls.info/crs/crs2026-title-15.pdf) | **Quoted excerpt** [(a) Signed by the declarant in the presence of two witnesses; or (b) Signed by the declarant and acknowledged before a notary public or other individual authorized by law to take acknowledgments, unless a court determines that this subsection (1)(b) should not apply to the declaration in the interest of justice. (2) For the purposes of this section, a person specified in section 15-18-105 shall not be a witness, notary public, or other individual authorized by law to take acknowledgments.
](https://olls.info/crs/crs2026-title-15.pdf) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. **Conditions** The quoted execution rule applies to a declaration as to medical treatment. The statute lists excluded witnesses and a separate route when the declarant cannot physically sign. | **Official source** [Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment. Statutory form requirements. ](https://olls.info/crs/crs2026-title-15.pdf) | **Official source** [Statutory form power of attorney](https://olls.info/crs/crs2026-title-15.pdf) | [Colorado General Assembly, Office of Legislative Legal Services](https://olls.info/crs/crs2026-title-15.pdf) |
| Connecticut | **Official source** [Combined advance directives form. Its sections are optional.](https://portal.ct.gov/en/ag/health-issues/connecticuts-living-will-laws) | **Quoted excerpt** [(a) Any person eighteen years of age or older may appoint a health care representative by executing a document in accordance with section 19a-575a or section 19a-577 , signed and dated by such person in the presence of two adult witnesses who shall also sign the document. The person appointed as representative shall not act as witness to the execution of such document or sign such document.
](https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_368w.htm) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. **Conditions** The quoted rule concerns appointment of a health care representative. Specified mental-health and developmental-services facilities have additional witness qualifications. | **Official source** [Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment](https://portal.ct.gov/dph/about/molst) | **Official source** [Statutory power of attorney short and long forms](https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_015c.htm) | [Connecticut Office of the Attorney General](https://portal.ct.gov/en/ag/health-issues/connecticuts-living-will-laws); [Connecticut General Assembly](https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_368w.htm); [Connecticut General Assembly](https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_015c.htm); [Connecticut Department of Public Health](https://portal.ct.gov/dph/about/molst) |
| Delaware | **Official source** [Optional Advance Health-Care Directive](https://delcode.delaware.gov/title16/c025/index.html) | **Quoted excerpt** [(d) A power of attorney for health care must be in a record, signed by the individual creating the power, and signed by an adult witness who satisfies all of the following: (1) Reasonably believes the act of the individual to create the power of attorney is voluntary and knowing. (2) Is not the agent appointed by the individual. (3) Is not the agent’s spouse, domestic partner, or cohabitant. (4) If the individual resides or is receiving care in a nursing home or long-term care facility, is not the owner, operator, employee, or contractor of the nursing home or long-term care facility. (5) Is present when the individual signs the power of attorney or when the individual represents that the power of attorney reflects the individual’s wishes. (e) A witness under subsection (d) of this section is considered present if the witness and the individual are any of the following: (1) Physically present in the same location. (2) Using electronic means that allow for real time audio and visual transmission and communication in real time to the same extent as if the witness and the individual were physically present in the same location. (3) Able to speak to and hear each other in real time through audio connection if the identity of the individual is personally known to the witness or the witness is able to authenticate the identity of the individual by receiving accurate answers from the individual that enable the authentication.
](https://delcode.delaware.gov/title16/c025/index.html) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. **Conditions** A specified mental-health direction restricting revocation has a separate-record requirement and two physically present adult witnesses. | **Official source** [Delaware Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment](https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhcc/dmost/) | **Official source** [Statutory durable personal power of attorney form](https://delcode.delaware.gov/title12/c049a/sc03/index.html) | [Delaware General Assembly](https://delcode.delaware.gov/title16/c025/index.html); [Delaware Department of Health and Social Services](https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhcc/dmost/); [Delaware General Assembly](https://delcode.delaware.gov/title12/c049a/sc03/index.html) |
| Washington, DC | **Official source** [Sample durable power of attorney for health care](https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/21-2207) | **Quoted excerpt** [(c) A durable power of attorney for health care shall be dated and signed by the principal and 2 adult witnesses who affirm that the principal was of sound mind and free from duress at the time of signing. The 2 adult witnesses shall not include the principal, the health-care provider of the principal or an employee of the health-care provider of the principal. (d) Of the 2 adult witnesses referred to in subsection (c) of this section, at least 1 shall not be related to the principal by blood, marriage or adoption and shall not be entitled to any part of the estate of the principal by a current will or operation of law.
](https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/21-2205) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. | **Official source** [Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment](https://dchealth.dc.gov/most) | **Official source** [Statutory power of attorney form. Additional real-estate notice requirements may apply.](https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/21-2603.01) | [Council of the District of Columbia](https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/21-2207); [Council of the District of Columbia](https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/21-2205); [Council of the District of Columbia](https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/21-2603.01); [District of Columbia Department of Health](https://dchealth.dc.gov/most) |
| Florida | **Official source** [Suggested designation of health care surrogate](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0765/Sections/0765.203.html) | **Quoted excerpt** [A written document designating a surrogate to make health care decisions for a principal or receive health information on behalf of a principal, or both, shall be signed by the principal in the presence of two subscribing adult witnesses. A principal unable to sign the instrument may, in the presence of witnesses, direct that another person sign the principal’s name as required herein. An exact copy of the instrument shall be provided to the surrogate. (2) The person designated as surrogate shall not act as witness to the execution of the document designating the health care surrogate. At least one person who acts as a witness shall be neither the principal’s spouse nor blood relative.
](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0765/Sections/0765.202.html) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. | **Official source** [Do Not Resuscitate Order. This is a narrower resuscitation order.](https://www.floridahealth.gov/about-us/resources/do-not-resuscitate-order/) | **Official source** [Not published](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0765/Sections/0765.203.html) | [Florida Legislature](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0765/Sections/0765.203.html); [Florida Department of Health](https://www.floridahealth.gov/about-us/resources/do-not-resuscitate-order/); [Florida Legislature](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0765/Sections/0765.202.html) |
| Georgia | **Official source** [Attorney general referral to Georgia Advance Directive for Health Care](https://consumer.georgia.gov/advance-directives) | **Quoted excerpt** [Not published](https://consumer.georgia.gov/advance-directives) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. | **Official source** [Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment](https://dph.georgia.gov/POLST) | **Official source** [Not published](https://consumer.georgia.gov/advance-directives) | [Georgia Office of the Attorney General](https://consumer.georgia.gov/advance-directives); [Georgia Department of Public Health](https://dph.georgia.gov/POLST) |
| Hawaii | **Official source** [Advance Health Care Directive](https://health.hawaii.gov/eoa/files/2013/04/AHCD.pdf) | **Quoted excerpt** [Have two qualified witnesses or a notary public witness your signature.
](https://health.hawaii.gov/eoa/files/2013/04/AHCD.pdf) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. **Conditions** Witnesses cannot be the health care agent, a health care provider or a health care facility employee. One witness cannot be a relative or have inheritance rights. | **Official source** [Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment](https://health.hawaii.gov/eoa/polst/) | **Official source** [Not published](https://health.hawaii.gov/eoa/files/2013/04/AHCD.pdf) | [Hawaii Department of Health, Executive Office on Aging](https://health.hawaii.gov/eoa/files/2013/04/AHCD.pdf); [Hawaii Department of Health, Executive Office on Aging](https://health.hawaii.gov/eoa/polst/) |
| Idaho | **Official source** [Idaho Advance Directive and update resources](https://www.ag.idaho.gov/office-resources/advance-directives-and-registry-services/) | **Quoted excerpt** [(1) Any competent person aged eighteen (18) years or older may execute an advance care planning document (ACPD). Such document must contain the mandatory elements set forth in this section. Any provisions of an ACPD that are left blank by a person executing the document shall be deemed intentional and shall not invalidate the document. The department of health and welfare may create and promulgate an optional form for the ACPD. Such form is not mandatory. To be considered a valid ACPD, a document must include: (a) The person’s name, date of birth, telephone number, and mailing address; (b) The signature of the person for whom the ACPD is created or the authorized agent of such person; and (c) The date on which the document was signed.
](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title39/T39CH45/SECT39-4510/) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. **Conditions** The statute lists witness details and notarization as optional ACPD contents. | **Official source** [Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment](https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/birth-marriage-death-records/idaho-healthcare-directive-registry) | **Official source** [Not published](https://www.ag.idaho.gov/office-resources/advance-directives-and-registry-services/) | [Idaho Office of the Attorney General](https://www.ag.idaho.gov/office-resources/advance-directives-and-registry-services/); [Idaho Legislature](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title39/T39CH45/SECT39-4510/); [Idaho Department of Health and Welfare](https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/birth-marriage-death-records/idaho-healthcare-directive-registry) |
| Illinois | **Official source** [Statutory short form power of attorney for health care](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/files/forms/powerofattorneyhealthcareform.pdf) | **Quoted excerpt** [(i) Sign the form in front of a witness. See the form for a list of who can and cannot witness it. (ii) Ask the witness to sign it, too. (iii) There is no need to have the form notarized.
](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/files/forms/powerofattorneyhealthcareform.pdf) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. **Conditions** The quoted rule concerns the statutory health care form. Its witness must satisfy the full age and disqualification rules. **Conditions** The source describes a separate qualifying nonstatutory health care power that need not be witnessed. | **Official source** [Practitioner Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment](https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/health-care-regulation/nursing-homes/advance-directives.html) | **Official source** [Not published](https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/health-care-regulation/nursing-homes/advance-directives.html) | [Illinois Department of Public Health](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/files/forms/powerofattorneyhealthcareform.pdf); [Illinois Department of Public Health](https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/health-care-regulation/nursing-homes/advance-directives.html) |
| Indiana | **Official source** [Health department guidance and sample-form referrals. No official or mandatory form must be followed.](https://www.in.gov/health/cshcr/healthcare-quality-resource-center/advance-directives-resource-center/) | **Quoted excerpt** [Not published](https://www.in.gov/health/cshcr/healthcare-quality-resource-center/advance-directives-resource-center/) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. | **Official source** [Physicians Order for Scope of Treatment](https://www.in.gov/health/cshcr/healthcare-quality-resource-center/advance-directives-resource-center/) | **Official source** [Not published](https://www.in.gov/health/cshcr/healthcare-quality-resource-center/advance-directives-resource-center/) | [Indiana Department of Health](https://www.in.gov/health/cshcr/healthcare-quality-resource-center/advance-directives-resource-center/) |
| Iowa | **Official source** [Durable power of attorney for health care form](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/2026/144B.5.pdf) | **Quoted excerpt** [b. The durable power of attorney for health care contains the date of its execution and is witnessed or acknowledged by one of the following methods: (1) Is signed by at least two individuals who, in the presence of each other and the principal, witnessed the signing of the instrument by the principal or by another person acting on behalf of the principal at the principal’s direction. (2) Is acknowledged before a notarial officer within this state as provided in chapter 9B. 2. The following individuals shall not be witnesses for a durable power of attorney for health care: a. A health care provider attending the principal on the date of execution. b. An employee of a health care provider attending the principal on the date of execution. c. The individual designated in the durable power of attorney for health care as the attorney in fact. d. An individual who is less than eighteen years of age. 3. At least one of the witnesses for a durable power of attorney for health care shall be an individual who is not a relative of the principal by blood, marriage, or adoption within the third degree of consanguinity.
](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/2026/144B.3.pdf) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. | **Official source** [Iowa Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment](https://hhs.iowa.gov/ipost) | **Official source** [Iowa Statutory Power of Attorney form](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/2026/633B.pdf) | [Iowa Legislature](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/2026/144B.5.pdf); [Iowa Legislature](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/2026/144B.3.pdf); [Iowa Legislature](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/2026/633B.pdf); [Iowa Department of Health and Human Services](https://hhs.iowa.gov/ipost) |
| Kansas | **Official source** [Durable power of attorney for health care decisions form](https://kslegislature.gov/b2023_24/laws/058_000_0000_chapter/058_006_0000_article/058_006_0032_section/058_006_0032_k/) | **Quoted excerpt** [(e) A durable power of attorney for health care decisions shall be: (1) Dated and signed in the presence of two witnesses at least 18 years of age neither of whom shall be the agent, related to the principal by blood, marriage or adoption, entitled to any portion of the estate of the principal according to the laws of intestate succession of this state or under any will of the principal or codicil thereto, or directly financially responsible for the principal's health care; or (2) acknowledged before a notary public.
](https://kslegislature.gov/b2023_24/laws/058_000_0000_chapter/058_006_0000_article/058_006_0029_section/058_006_0029_k/) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. | **Official source** [Not published](https://kslegislature.gov/b2023_24/laws/058_000_0000_chapter/058_006_0000_article/058_006_0032_section/058_006_0032_k/) | **Official source** [Not published](https://kslegislature.gov/b2023_24/laws/058_000_0000_chapter/058_006_0000_article/058_006_0032_section/058_006_0032_k/) | [Kansas Legislature, Office of Revisor of Statutes](https://kslegislature.gov/b2023_24/laws/058_000_0000_chapter/058_006_0000_article/058_006_0032_section/058_006_0032_k/); [Kansas Legislature, Office of Revisor of Statutes](https://kslegislature.gov/b2023_24/laws/058_000_0000_chapter/058_006_0000_article/058_006_0029_section/058_006_0029_k/) |
| Kentucky | **Official source** [Statutory Living Will Directive. KRS 311.625](https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=42591) | **Quoted excerpt** [An advance directive shall be in writing, dated, and signed by the grantor, or at the grantor's direction, and either witnessed by two (2) or more adults in the presence of the grantor and in the presence of each other, or acknowledged before a notary public or other person authorized to administer oaths. None of the following shall be a witness to or serve as a notary public or other person authorized to administer oaths in regard to any advance directive made under this section: (a) A blood relative of the grantor; (b) A beneficiary of the grantor under descent and distribution statutes of the Commonwealth; (c) An employee of a health care facility in which the grantor is a patient, unless the employee serves as a notary public; (d) An attending physician of the grantor; or (e) Any person directly financially responsible for the grantor's health care.
](https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=42591) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. | **Official source** [Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST)](https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/201/009/470/) | **Official source** [Statutory Form Power of Attorney. KRS 457.420](https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=50172) | [Kentucky General Assembly](https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=42591); [Kentucky General Assembly](https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=50172); [Kentucky General Assembly](https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/201/009/470/) |
| Louisiana | **Official source** [Illustrative declaration concerning life-sustaining procedures. R.S. 40 section 1151.2](https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=964664) | **Quoted excerpt** [A written declaration shall be signed by the declarant in the presence of two witnesses.
](https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=964664) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. **Conditions** This is the written declaration rule. Witnesses must be competent adults who are unrelated by blood or marriage and have no entitlement to the relevant estate. | **Official source** [Louisiana Physician Order for Scope of Treatment (LaPOST)](https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=964688) | **Official source** [Not published](https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=110025) | [Louisiana State Legislature](https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=964664); [Louisiana State Legislature](https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=964688); [Louisiana State Legislature](https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=964663) |
| Maine | **Official source** [Optional Advance Health Care Directive. Title 18-C section 5-805](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/18-C/title18-Csec5-805.pdf) | **Quoted excerpt** [The power must be in writing and signed by the principal and 2 witnesses. Notwithstanding any law validating electronic or digital signatures, signatures of the principal and witnesses must be made in person and not by electronic means.
](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/18-c/title18-Csec5-803.html) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. **Conditions** The quoted rule concerns the health care power of attorney. A separate statute permits a narrow remote-signing process for infectious-disease isolation in a hospital or residential health care facility. | **Official source** [Not published](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/18-C/title18-Csec5-805.pdf) | **Official source** [Not published](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/18-C/title18-Csec5-905.html) | [Maine Legislature](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/18-C/title18-Csec5-805.pdf); [Maine Legislature](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/18-c/title18-Csec5-803.html); [Maine Legislature](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/18-C/title18-Csec5-803-A.html) |
| Maryland | **Official source** [Maryland Advance Directive form and instructions](https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/ccdb/ADP/Pages/Individual-Resources.aspx) | **Quoted excerpt** [Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph or paragraph (3) of this subsection, a written or electronic advance directive shall be dated, signed by or at the express direction of the declarant, and subscribed by two witnesses in the physical presence or electronic presence of the declarant.
](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=ghg§ion=5-602) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. **Conditions** The health care agent cannot witness. At least one witness must lack a known estate entitlement or financial benefit at death. **Conditions** The linked statute includes an unwitnessed video exception and recognizes directives executed during the specified earlier emergency order. Check the complete statute with a lawyer. | **Official source** [Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST)](https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/ccdb/ADP/Pages/Physician-Resources---Adv-Care.aspx) | **Official source** [Statutory Personal Financial Power of Attorney. Estates and Trusts section 17-202](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=get§ion=17-202) | [Maryland Department of Health](https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/ccdb/ADP/Pages/Individual-Resources.aspx); [Maryland General Assembly](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=ghg§ion=5-602); [Maryland General Assembly](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=get§ion=17-202); [Maryland Department of Health](https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/ccdb/ADP/Pages/Physician-Resources---Adv-Care.aspx) |
| Massachusetts | **Official source** [DPH Health Care Proxy form resources](https://www.mass.gov/doc/dph-letter-health-care-proxy-and-personal-directive-living-will-june-3-2026/download) | **Quoted excerpt** [Said health care proxy shall be in writing signed by such adult or at the direction of such adult in the presence of two other adults who shall subscribe their names as witnesses to such signature. The witnesses shall affirm in writing that the principal appeared to be at least eighteen years of age, of sound mind and under no constraint or undue influence. No person who has been named as health care agent in a health care proxy shall act as a witness to the execution of such proxy. For the purposes of this section, every adult shall be presumed to be competent and every health care proxy shall be presumed to be properly executed unless a court determines otherwise.
](https://malegislature.gov/laws/generallaws/partii/titleii/chapter201d/section2) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. **Conditions** DPH offers partner-provided forms. The quoted execution rule concerns the health care proxy. **Conditions** The legislature directs a transition from MOLST to the national POLST model. Follow the DPH program referral for current form guidance. | **Official source** [Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST). POLST transition](https://www.mass.gov/orgs/molst-subcommittee) | **Official source** [Not published](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/mass-general-laws-c190b-article-v-part-5-prefatory-note) | [Massachusetts Department of Public Health](https://www.mass.gov/doc/dph-letter-health-care-proxy-and-personal-directive-living-will-june-3-2026/download); [Massachusetts General Court](https://malegislature.gov/laws/generallaws/partii/titleii/chapter201d/section2); [Massachusetts Department of Public Health, MOLST Subcommittee](https://www.mass.gov/orgs/molst-subcommittee); [Massachusetts General Court](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter19A/Section44) |
| Michigan | **Official source** [Attorney General referrals for patient advocate and medical power of attorney forms](https://www.michigan.gov/ag/initiatives/elder-abuse/elder-abuse-task-force) | **Quoted excerpt** [Not published](https://www.michigan.gov/ag/initiatives/elder-abuse/elder-abuse-task-force) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. **Conditions** The advance-directive links are Attorney General referrals to forms from other organizations. | **Official source** [Michigan Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (MI-POST)](https://www.michigan.gov/en/mdhhs/inside-mdhhs/legislationpolicy/ems/news/mi-post) | **Official source** [Michigan Statutory Form Power of Attorney](https://www.michigan.gov/ag/-/media/Project/Websites/AG/EATF/Michigan-Statutory-Form-Power-of-Attorney.pdf?rev=6c4825f9d4814c1a843c524d7c4efe91) | [Michigan Department of Attorney General](https://www.michigan.gov/ag/initiatives/elder-abuse/elder-abuse-task-force); [Michigan Department of Attorney General](https://www.michigan.gov/ag/-/media/Project/Websites/AG/EATF/Michigan-Statutory-Form-Power-of-Attorney.pdf?rev=6c4825f9d4814c1a843c524d7c4efe91); [Michigan Department of Health and Human Services](https://www.michigan.gov/en/mdhhs/inside-mdhhs/legislationpolicy/ems/news/mi-post) |
| Minnesota | **Official source** [Suggested Health Care Directive. Minnesota Statutes 145C.16](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/145C.16/pdf) | **Quoted excerpt** [This document must be signed by me. It also must either be verified by a notary public (Option 1) OR witnessed by two witnesses (Option 2). It must be dated when it is verified or witnessed.
](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/145C.16/pdf) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. **Conditions** The notary cannot be a named agent or alternate. Witnesses must be adults and cannot be named agents or alternates. Only one witness may provide direct care or work for a provider giving direct care that day. | **Official source** [Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST)](https://www.health.mn.gov/people/palliative/advcareplan.html) | **Official source** [Statutory Short Form Power of Attorney. Minnesota Statutes 523.23](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/523/full) | [Minnesota Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/145C.16/pdf); [Minnesota Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/523/full); [Minnesota Department of Health](https://www.health.mn.gov/people/palliative/advcareplan.html) |
| Mississippi | **Official source** [Not published](https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/30%2C2348%2C83%2C60%2Cpdf/Hospice_regulations.pdf) | **Quoted excerpt** [Not published](https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/30%2C2348%2C83%2C60%2Cpdf/Hospice_regulations.pdf) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. **Conditions** The health department hospice standards describe treatment instructions and designation of a decision maker. This source is context for a lawyer discussion. | **Official source** [Not published](https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/30%2C2348%2C83%2C60%2Cpdf/Hospice_regulations.pdf) | **Official source** [Not published](https://www.legislature.ms.gov/) | [Mississippi State Department of Health](https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/30%2C2348%2C83%2C60%2Cpdf/Hospice_regulations.pdf) |
| Missouri | **Official source** [Sample declaration concerning death-prolonging procedures. RSMo 459.015](https://www.revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?bid=25812&hl=+to+459.%25u2044459.015&hlr=y§ion=459.015) | **Quoted excerpt** [The declaration made pursuant to sections 459.010 to 459.055 shall be: (1) In writing; (2) Signed by the person making the declaration, or by another person in the declarant's presence and by the declarant's expressed direction; (3) Dated; and (4) If not wholly in the declarant's handwriting, signed in the presence of two or more witnesses at least eighteen years of age neither of whom shall be the person who signed the declaration on behalf of and at the direction of the person making the declaration.
](https://www.revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?bid=25812&hl=+to+459.%25u2044459.015&hlr=y§ion=459.015) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. **Conditions** The linked form is the statutory treatment declaration. The statute makes witnesses conditional on whether the declaration is wholly handwritten. **Conditions** The cited TPOPP and POLST provision requires department review and approval. The linked statute contains its additional conditions. | **Official source** [Transportable Physician Orders for Patient Preferences (TPOPP) and POLST. Statutory recognition](https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=190.613) | **Official source** [Not published](https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=404.705) | [Missouri Revisor of Statutes](https://www.revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?bid=25812&hl=+to+459.%25u2044459.015&hlr=y§ion=459.015); [Missouri Revisor of Statutes](https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=190.613) |
| Montana | **Official source** [My Choices Advance Directive](https://dojmt.gov/wp-content/uploads/My-Choices-Advance-Directive-8.28.17.pdf) | **Quoted excerpt** [Ask two people to watch you sign and have them sign below. If you can, it’s best to sign this document in front of a Notary Public.
](https://dojmt.gov/wp-content/uploads/My-Choices-Advance-Directive-8.28.17.pdf) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. **Conditions** The form asks two witnesses to sign. Its witnesses attest they are over eighteen and observed voluntary signing. The form recommends notarization. | **Official source** [Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST)](https://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/emsts/polst) | **Official source** [Statutory Form Power of Attorney. MCA 72-31-353](https://courts.mt.gov/Forms/guardianship) | [Montana Department of Justice](https://dojmt.gov/wp-content/uploads/My-Choices-Advance-Directive-8.28.17.pdf); [Montana Judicial Branch](https://courts.mt.gov/Forms/guardianship); [Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services](https://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/emsts/polst) |
| Nebraska | **Official source** [Statutory Power of Attorney for Health Care. Nebraska Revised Statutes 30-3408](https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/display_html.php?begin_section=30-3401&end_section=30-3432) | **Quoted excerpt** [The power of attorney for health care shall (1) be in writing, (2) identify the principal, the attorney in fact, and the successor attorney in fact, if any, (3) specifically authorize the attorney in fact to make health care decisions on behalf of the principal in the event the principal is incapable, (4) show the date of its execution, and (5) be witnessed and signed by at least two adults, each of whom witnesses either the signing and dating of the power of attorney for health care by the principal or the principal's acknowledgment of the signature and date, or be signed and acknowledged by the principal before a notary public who shall not be the attorney in fact or successor attorney in fact.
](https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/display_html.php?begin_section=30-3401&end_section=30-3432) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. **Conditions** The statute lists disqualified witnesses, including specified relatives, estate beneficiaries, certain care professionals, a romantic partner, and the attorney in fact. It also limits provider employees to one witness. | **Official source** [Not published](https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/display_html.php?begin_section=30-3401&end_section=30-3432) | **Official source** [Statutory Power of Attorney form and instructions](https://supremecourt.nebraska.gov/self-help/medical/power-attorney) | [Nebraska Legislature](https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/display_html.php?begin_section=30-3401&end_section=30-3432); [Nebraska Judicial Branch](https://supremecourt.nebraska.gov/self-help/medical/power-attorney) |
| Nevada | **Official source** [Statutory Advance Health-Care Directive. NRS 162A.855](https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-162a.html) | **Quoted excerpt** [A power of attorney for health care must be signed by the principal. The principal’s signature on the power of attorney for health care must be: (a) Acknowledged before a notary public; or (b) Witnessed by two adult witnesses. 3. Neither of the witnesses to a principal’s signature may be the owner, operator or employee of a nursing home if the principal resides in the nursing home.
](https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-162a.html) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. | **Official source** [Physician Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST)](https://www.dpbh.nv.gov/regulatory/emergency-medical-systems-ems/do-not-resuscitate-dnr-physician-order-for-life-sustaining-treatment-polst/) | **Official source** [Statutory Form Power of Attorney. NRS 162A.620](https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-162a.html) | [Nevada Legislature](https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-162a.html); [Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health](https://www.dpbh.nv.gov/regulatory/emergency-medical-systems-ems/do-not-resuscitate-dnr-physician-order-for-life-sustaining-treatment-polst/) |
| New Hampshire | **Official source** [Statutory Advance Directive. RSA 137-J section 20](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/x/137-J/137-J-20.htm) | **Quoted excerpt** [You must sign this form in the physical presence of 2 witnesses or a notary or justice of the peace for it to be valid. The witnesses cannot be your agent, spouse, heir, or anyone named in your will, trust or who may otherwise receive your property at your death, or your attending medical practitioner or anyone who works directly under them. Only one witness can be employed by your health or residential care provider.
](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/X/137-J/137-J-19.htm) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. | **Official source** [Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST)](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/X/137-L/137-L-mrg.htm) | **Official source** [Statutory Power of Attorney. RSA 564-E section 301](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LVI/564-E/564-E-301.htm) | [New Hampshire General Court](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/x/137-J/137-J-20.htm); [New Hampshire General Court](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/X/137-J/137-J-19.htm); [New Hampshire General Court](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LVI/564-E/564-E-301.htm); [New Hampshire General Court](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/X/137-L/137-L-mrg.htm) |
| New Jersey | **Official source** [Proxy Directive form](https://www.nj.gov/health/advancedirective/documents/proxy_directive.pdf) | **Quoted excerpt** [You can choose to get your advance directive notarized, in which case you don't need additional witnesses. Or you can choose to sign and date your advance directive in front of two adult witnesses who must also sign and date the document.
](https://www.nj.gov/health/advancedirective/ad/forums-faqs/index.shtml) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. **Conditions** The person appointed as health care representative cannot witness the advance directive. | **Official source** [Practitioner Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST)](https://www.nj.gov/health/advancedirective/polst/) | **Official source** [Not published](https://surrogate.bergencountynj.gov/poa.html) | [New Jersey Department of Health](https://www.nj.gov/health/advancedirective/documents/proxy_directive.pdf); [New Jersey Department of Health](https://www.nj.gov/health/advancedirective/ad/forums-faqs/index.shtml); [New Jersey Department of Health](https://www.nj.gov/health/advancedirective/polst/) |
| New Mexico | **Official source** [Not published](https://www.nmhealth.org/about/erd/emsb/advd/) | **Quoted excerpt** [Not published](https://www.nmhealth.org/about/erd/emsb/advd/) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. | **Official source** [Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST). Health department program referral](https://www.nmhealth.org/about/erd/emsb/advd/) | **Official source** [Statutory Form Power of Attorney. NMSA 45-5B-301](https://supremecourt.nmcourts.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2024/01/Statutory-Power-of-Attorney-45-5B-301.pdf) | [New Mexico Supreme Court](https://supremecourt.nmcourts.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2024/01/Statutory-Power-of-Attorney-45-5B-301.pdf); [New Mexico Department of Health](https://www.nmhealth.org/about/erd/emsb/advd/) |
| New York | **Official source** [Health Care Proxy form and instructions](https://ag.ny.gov/publications/advance-directives) | **Quoted excerpt** [Two witnesses must watch you sign your health care proxy form and say that you appeared to sign willingly. Neither your agent nor your alternate agent can serve as a witness. You do not need to have the form notarized.
](https://ag.ny.gov/publications/advance-directives) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. | **Official source** [Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST)](https://healthweb-back.health.ny.gov/professionals/patients/patient_rights/molst/index.htm) | **Official source** [Statutory Short Form Power of Attorney. General Obligations Law 5-1513](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GOB/5-1513) | [New York State Office of the Attorney General](https://ag.ny.gov/publications/advance-directives); [New York State Senate](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GOB/5-1513); [New York State Department of Health](https://healthweb-back.health.ny.gov/professionals/patients/patient_rights/molst/index.htm) |
| North Carolina | **Official source** [Statutory Health Care Power of Attorney. G.S. 32A-25.1](https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/ByArticle/Chapter_32A/Article_3.html) | **Quoted excerpt** [Except as provided in G.S. 32A-16.1, a written instrument that substantially meets the requirements of this Article, that is signed in the presence of two qualified witnesses, and acknowledged before a notary public, pursuant to which an attorney-in-fact or agent is appointed to act for the principal in matters relating to the health care of the principal.
](https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/ByArticle/Chapter_32A/Article_3.html) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. **Conditions** The statute defines qualified witnesses and preserves a limited earlier emergency waiver. A lawyer should check the execution of an existing instrument. **Conditions** The health department limits MOST form downloads to physicians and licensed health care facilities. Use its program page to discuss MOST with a clinician. | **Official source** [Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST). Official program referral](https://oems.nc.gov/dnr-most/) | **Official source** [Statutory Form Power of Attorney. G.S. 32C-3-301](https://www3.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/ByArticle/Chapter_32C/Article_3.html) | [North Carolina General Assembly](https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/ByArticle/Chapter_32A/Article_3.html); [North Carolina General Assembly](https://www3.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/ByArticle/Chapter_32C/Article_3.html); [North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Emergency Medical Services](https://oems.nc.gov/dnr-most/) |
| North Dakota | **Official source** [Optional statutory health care directive form](https://ndlegis.gov/prod/cencode/t23c06-5.pdf) | **Quoted excerpt** [A health care directive must be signed by the principal and that signature must be verified by a notary public or at least two or more subscribing witnesses who are at least eighteen years of age.
](https://ndlegis.gov/prod/cencode/t23c06-5.pdf) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. **Conditions** The statute has care-provider restrictions and excludes specified agents, relatives, estate beneficiaries and other financial interests from serving as notaries or witnesses. Read the complete execution section. | **Official source** [Not published](https://ndlegis.gov/prod/cencode/t23c06-5.pdf) | **Official source** [Not published](https://ndlegis.gov/prod/cencode/t23c06-5.pdf) | [North Dakota Legislative Branch](https://ndlegis.gov/prod/cencode/t23c06-5.pdf) |
| Ohio | **Official source** [Not published](https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-1337.12) | **Quoted excerpt** [If witnessed for purposes of division (A)(1)(b) of this section, a durable power of attorney for health care shall be witnessed by at least two individuals who are adults and who are not ineligible to be witnesses under this division. Any person who is related to the principal by blood, marriage, or adoption, any person who is designated as the attorney in fact or alternate attorney in fact in the instrument, the attending physician of the principal, and the administrator of any nursing home in which the principal is receiving care are ineligible to be witnesses. The witnessing of a durable power of attorney for health care shall involve the principal signing, or acknowledging the principal's signature, at the end of the instrument in the presence of each witness. Then, each witness shall subscribe the witness's signature after the signature of the principal and, by doing so, attest to the witness's belief that the principal appears to be of sound mind and not under or subject to duress, fraud, or undue influence. If acknowledged for purposes of division (A)(1)(b) of this section, a durable power of attorney for health care shall be acknowledged before a notary public, who shall make the certification described in section 147.53 of the Revised Code and also shall attest that the principal appears to be of sound mind and not under or subject to duress, fraud, or undue influence.
](https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-1337.12) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. **Conditions** The execution excerpt concerns the durable power of attorney for health care. Witnesses have relationship, agency, physician and nursing-home restrictions. | **Official source** [DNR Comfort Care and DNR Comfort Care Arrest](https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/do-not-resuscitate/welcome) | **Official source** [Statutory form power of attorney under section 1337.60](https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-1337.60) | [Ohio Department of Health](https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/do-not-resuscitate/welcome); [Ohio Legislative Service Commission](https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-1337.12); [Ohio Legislative Service Commission](https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-1337.60) |
| Oklahoma | **Official source** [Statutory Advance Directive for Health Care](https://oksenate.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/os63.pdf) | **Quoted excerpt** [The advance directive shall be signed by the declarant and witnessed by two individuals who are eighteen (18) years of age or older who are not legatees, devisees, or heirs at law.
](https://oksenate.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/os63.pdf) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. | **Official source** [Oklahoma Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment](https://oksenate.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/os63.pdf) | **Official source** [Statutory financial power of attorney under section 15-1003](https://oksenate.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/os15.pdf) | [Oklahoma Senate](https://oksenate.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/os63.pdf); [Oklahoma Senate](https://oksenate.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/os15.pdf) |
| Oregon | **Official source** [Oregon Health Authority advance directive forms](https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/about/pages/adac-forms.aspx) | **Quoted excerpt** [You must sign this form for it to be effective. You must also have it witnessed by two witnesses or a notary. Your appointment of a health care representative is not effective until the health care representative accepts the appointment.
](https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/ABOUT/Documents/ADAC%20RAC/LARGE%20PRINT%20OHA%203905_OR%20Advance%20Directive%20for%20Health_v1.1.pdf) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. **Conditions** Witnesses must meet the form declaration. The representative or alternate and the attending health care provider cannot act as witnesses. | **Official source** [Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment](https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/ABOUT/Pages/AdvanceDirectiveAdoptionCommittee.aspx) | **Official source** [Not published](https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/about/pages/adac-forms.aspx) | [Oregon Health Authority](https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/about/pages/adac-forms.aspx); [Oregon Health Authority](https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/ABOUT/Documents/ADAC%20RAC/LARGE%20PRINT%20OHA%203905_OR%20Advance%20Directive%20for%20Health_v1.1.pdf); [Oregon Health Authority](https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/ABOUT/Pages/AdvanceDirectiveAdoptionCommittee.aspx) |
| Pennsylvania | **Official source** [Combined living will and health care power of attorney example](https://www.palegis.us/statutes/consolidated/view-statute?chpt=54&div=0&iFrame=true&sctn=71&subsctn=0&ttl=20&txtType=HTM) | **Quoted excerpt** [A health care power of attorney must be: (1) dated and signed by the principal by signature or mark or by another individual on behalf of and at the direction of the principal if the principal is unable to sign but specifically directs another individual to sign the health care power of attorney; and (2) witnessed by two individuals, each of whom is 18 years of age or older. (c) Witnesses.-- (1) An individual who signs a health care power of attorney on behalf of and at the direction of a principal may not witness the health care power of attorney. (2) A health care provider and its agent may not sign a health care power of attorney on behalf of and at the direction of a principal if the health care provider or agent provides health care services to the principal.
](https://www.palegis.us/statutes/consolidated/view-statute?chpt=54&div=0&iFrame=true&sctn=52&subsctn=0&ttl=20&txtType=HTM) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. **Conditions** The quoted execution rule concerns a health care power of attorney. A person signing for the principal cannot also witness it. | **Official source** [Pennsylvania POLST forms and program guidance](https://www.pa.gov/agencies/health/healthcare-and-public-health-professionals/ems/ems-resources) | **Official source** [Not published](https://www.palegis.us/statutes/consolidated/view-statute?chpt=54&div=0&iFrame=true&sctn=71&subsctn=0&ttl=20&txtType=HTM) | [Pennsylvania General Assembly](https://www.palegis.us/statutes/consolidated/view-statute?chpt=54&div=0&iFrame=true&sctn=71&subsctn=0&ttl=20&txtType=HTM); [Pennsylvania General Assembly](https://www.palegis.us/statutes/consolidated/view-statute?chpt=54&div=0&iFrame=true&sctn=52&subsctn=0&ttl=20&txtType=HTM); [Pennsylvania Department of Health](https://www.pa.gov/agencies/health/healthcare-and-public-health-professionals/ems/ems-resources) |
| Rhode Island | **Official source** [Statutory durable power of attorney for health care](https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE23/23-4.10/23-4.10-2.HTM) | **Quoted excerpt** [THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY WILL NOT BE VALID UNLESS IT IS SIGNED BY ONE NOTARY PUBLIC OR TWO (2) QUALIFIED WITNESSES WHO ARE PRESENT WHEN YOU SIGN OR ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR SIGNATURE.
](https://health.ri.gov/forms/legal/DurablePowerOfAttorneyForHealthcare.pdf) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. **Conditions** The form excludes agents, providers and specified facility staff as witnesses. At least one witness or the notary must also make the nonrelative and estate-interest declaration. | **Official source** [Medical Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment](https://health.ri.gov/death-and-dying/medical-orders-life-sustaining-treatment-molst) | **Official source** [Statutory short form power of attorney under section 18-16-2](https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE18/18-16/18-16-2.htm) | [Rhode Island General Assembly](https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE23/23-4.10/23-4.10-2.HTM); [Rhode Island Department of Health](https://health.ri.gov/forms/legal/DurablePowerOfAttorneyForHealthcare.pdf); [Rhode Island General Assembly](https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE18/18-16/18-16-2.htm); [Rhode Island Department of Health](https://health.ri.gov/death-and-dying/medical-orders-life-sustaining-treatment-molst) |
| South Carolina | **Official source** [Statutory health care power of attorney under section 62-5-504](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t62c005.php) | **Quoted excerpt** [be signed by at least two persons, each of whom witnessed either the signing of the health care power of attorney or the principal's acknowledgment of his signature on the health care power of attorney. Each witness must state in a declaration as set forth in Section 62-5-504 that, at the time of the execution of the health care power of attorney, to the extent the witness has knowledge, the witness is not related to the principal by blood, marriage, or adoption, either as a spouse, lineal ancestor, descendant of the parents of the principal, or spouse of any of them; not directly financially responsible for the principal's medical care; not entitled to a portion of the principal's estate upon his decease under a will of the principal then existing or as an heir by intestate succession; not a beneficiary of a life insurance policy of the principal; and not appointed as health care agent or successor health care agent in the health care power of attorney; and that no more than one witness is an employee of a health care facility in which the principal is a patient, no witness is the attending physician or an employee of the attending physician, or no witness has a claim against the principal's estate upon his decease;
](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t62c005.php) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. **Conditions** The statutory form also contains a notarial acknowledgment. Read both the form and the complete witness declarations. | **Official source** [Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t44c080.php) | **Official source** [Not published](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t62c005.php) | [South Carolina Legislature](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t62c005.php); [South Carolina Legislature](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t44c080.php) |
| South Dakota | **Official source** [Optional statutory living will declaration](https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/34-12D-3.html) | **Quoted excerpt** [The declaration must be signed by the declarant, or by another at the declarant's direction, and witnessed by two adults, or by a notary public who shall thereafter notarize the declaration.
](https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/34-12D-2.html) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. | **Official source** [Medical Order for Scope of Treatment](https://doh.sd.gov/healthcare-professionals/advance-directives-and-medical-orders/) | **Official source** [Statutory form power of attorney under section 59-12-41](https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/59-12-41.html) | [South Dakota Legislature](https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/34-12D-3.html); [South Dakota Legislature](https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/34-12D-2.html); [South Dakota Legislature](https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/59-12-41.html); [South Dakota Department of Health](https://doh.sd.gov/healthcare-professionals/advance-directives-and-medical-orders/) |
| Tennessee | **Official source** [Advance Directive for Health Care](https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/Advance_Directive_for_Health_Care.pdf) | **Quoted excerpt** [Your signature must either be witnessed by two competent adults (“Block A”) or by a notary public (“Block B”). Neither witness may be the person you appointed as your agent or alternate, and at least one of the witnesses must be someone who is not related to you or entitled to any part of your estate.
](https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/Advance_Directive_for_Health_Care.pdf) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. | **Official source** [Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment](https://www.tn.gov/health/healthyaging) | **Official source** [Not published](https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/Advance_Directive_for_Health_Care.pdf) | [Tennessee Department of Health](https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/Advance_Directive_for_Health_Care.pdf); [Tennessee Department of Health](https://www.tn.gov/health/healthyaging) |
| Texas | **Official source** [Medical Power of Attorney Designation of Health Care Agent](https://fhb.hhs.texas.gov/forms/advance-directives/medical-power-attorney-designation-health-care-agent-mpoa) | **Quoted excerpt** [You Must Date And Sign This Power Of Attorney. You May Sign It And Have Your Signature Acknowledged Before A Notary Public Or You May Sign It In The Presence Of Two Competent Adult Witnesses.)
](https://fhb.hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/medical-power-of-attorney-designation-of-health-care-agent-mpoa-english.pdf) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. **Conditions** At least one witness must satisfy the form's exclusions for agency, relatives, estate interests, the attending physician and specified facility staff. | **Official source** [Out-of-Hospital Do-Not-Resuscitate order](https://fhb.hhs.texas.gov/forms/advance-directives) | **Official source** [Statutory Durable Power of Attorney](https://fhb.hhs.texas.gov/forms/advance-directives/statutory-durable-power-attorney-sdpoa) | [Texas Health and Human Services Commission](https://fhb.hhs.texas.gov/forms/advance-directives/medical-power-attorney-designation-health-care-agent-mpoa); [Texas Health and Human Services Commission](https://fhb.hhs.texas.gov/forms/advance-directives); [Texas Health and Human Services Commission](https://fhb.hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/medical-power-of-attorney-designation-of-health-care-agent-mpoa-english.pdf); [Texas Health and Human Services Commission](https://fhb.hhs.texas.gov/forms/advance-directives/statutory-durable-power-attorney-sdpoa) |
| Utah | **Official source** [Optional advance health care directive under section 75A-9-110](https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title75A/Chapter9/C75A-9-S110_2026010120250507.pdf) | **Quoted excerpt** [You need a witness if you are using this form to name an Agent. The witness must be an adult and cannot be the person you are naming as Agent or the Agent's spouse or someone the Agent lives with as a couple. If you live or are receiving care in a nursing home, the witness cannot be an employee or contractor of the home or someone who owns or runs the home.
](https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title75A/Chapter9/C75A-9-S110_2026010120250507.pdf) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. **Conditions** The witness rule quoted here concerns naming an agent. The law has additional witness restrictions and specified remote-presence rules. | **Official source** [Not published](https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title75A/Chapter9/C75A-9-S110_2026010120250507.pdf) | **Official source** [Statutory form power of attorney under section 75A-2-301](https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title75A/Chapter2/C75A-2-S301_2024090120240501.pdf) | [Utah Legislature](https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title75A/Chapter9/C75A-9-S110_2026010120250507.pdf); [Utah Legislature](https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title75A/Chapter2/C75A-2-S301_2024090120240501.pdf); [Utah Legislature](https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title75A/Chapter9/C75A-9_2026010120250507.pdf) |
| Vermont | **Official source** [Health department advance directive form referrals](https://www.healthvermont.gov/systems/advance-directives/create-register-and-make-changes-advance-directive) | **Quoted excerpt** [The advance directive shall be dated, executed by the principal or by another individual in the principal’s presence at the principal’s express direction if the principal is physically unable to do so, and signed by two or more witnesses at least 18 years of age, who shall sign and affirm that the principal appeared to understand the nature of the document and to be free from duress or undue influence at the time the advance directive was signed.
](https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/18/231/09703) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. **Conditions** The law restricts relatives and agents as witnesses. It also has remote-witness conditions and extra explanation safeguards for nursing-home, residential-care and hospital execution. | **Official source** [DNR and Clinician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment](https://www.healthvermont.gov/systems/advance-directives/do-not-resuscitate-dnrclinician-orders-life-sustaining-treatment-colst) | **Official source** [Not published](https://www.healthvermont.gov/systems/advance-directives/create-register-and-make-changes-advance-directive) | [Vermont Department of Health](https://www.healthvermont.gov/systems/advance-directives/create-register-and-make-changes-advance-directive); [Vermont Department of Health](https://www.healthvermont.gov/systems/advance-directives/do-not-resuscitate-dnrclinician-orders-life-sustaining-treatment-colst); [Vermont General Assembly](https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/18/231/09703) |
| Virginia | **Official source** [Suggested statutory advance directive under section 54.1-2984](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title54.1/chapter29/section54.1-2984/) | **Quoted excerpt** [A written advance directive shall be signed by the declarant in the presence of two subscribing witnesses and may (i) specify the health care the declarant does or does not authorize; (ii) appoint an agent to make health care decisions for the declarant; and (iii) specify an anatomical gift, after the declarant's death, of all of the declarant's body or an organ, tissue or eye donation pursuant to Article 2 (§ 32.1-291.1 et seq.) of Chapter 8 of Title 32.1.
](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title54.1/chapter29/section54.1-2983/) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. | **Official source** [Durable Do Not Resuscitate Program](https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/emergency-medical-services/trauma-critical-care/durable-do-not-resuscitate-program/) | **Official source** [Not published](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title54.1/chapter29/section54.1-2984/) | [Virginia General Assembly](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title54.1/chapter29/section54.1-2984/); [Virginia Department of Health](https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/emergency-medical-services/trauma-critical-care/durable-do-not-resuscitate-program/); [Virginia General Assembly](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title54.1/chapter29/section54.1-2983/) |
| Washington | **Official source** [Statutory health care directive under RCW 70.122.030](https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=70.122.030) | **Quoted excerpt** [The directive shall be signed by the declarer and acknowledged before a notary public or other individual authorized by law to take acknowledgments or signed by the declarer in the presence of two witnesses not related to the declarer by blood or marriage and who would not be entitled to any portion of the estate of the declarer upon declarer's decease under any will of the declarer or codicil thereto then existing or, at the time of the directive, by operation of law then existing. In addition, a witness to a directive shall not be the attending physician, an employee of the attending physician or a health facility in which the declarer is a patient, or any person who has a claim against any portion of the estate of the declarer upon declarer's decease at the time of the execution of the directive.
](https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=70.122.030) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. | **Official source** [Portable Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment](https://doh.wa.gov/public-health-provider-resources/emergency-medical-services-ems-and-trauma-care-system/portable-orders-life-sustaining-treatment-polst) | **Official source** [Not published](https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=70.122.030) | [Washington State Legislature](https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=70.122.030); [Washington State Department of Health](https://doh.wa.gov/public-health-provider-resources/emergency-medical-services-ems-and-trauma-care-system/portable-orders-life-sustaining-treatment-polst) |
| West Virginia | **Official source** [Optional statutory living will and medical power of attorney forms](https://code.wvlegislature.gov/16-30-4/) | **Quoted excerpt** [A living will, medical power of attorney, or combined medical power of attorney and living will made pursuant to this article shall be: (1) In writing; (2) executed by the principal or by another person in the principal’s presence at the principal’s express direction if the principal is physically unable to do so; (3) dated; (4) signed in the presence of two or more witnesses eat least 18 years of age; and (5) signed and attested by such witnesses whose signatures and attestations shall be acknowledged before a notary public.
](https://code.wvlegislature.gov/16-30-4/) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. **Conditions** The law excludes specified relatives, estate interests, the attending physician and named health care representatives as witnesses. A beneficiary-knowledge exception appears in the full section. | **Official source** [Portable Orders for Scope of Treatment](https://code.wvlegislature.gov/email/16-30/) | **Official source** [Statutory form power of attorney under section 39B-3-101](https://code.wvlegislature.gov/39B-3-101/) | [West Virginia Legislature](https://code.wvlegislature.gov/16-30-4/); [West Virginia Legislature](https://code.wvlegislature.gov/39B-3-101/); [West Virginia Legislature](https://code.wvlegislature.gov/email/16-30/) |
| Wisconsin | **Official source** [Power of Attorney for Health Care](https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/forms/advdirectives/f00085.pdf) | **Quoted excerpt** [Two witnesses are required. Witnesses must be at least 18 years of age, not related to you by blood, marriage, domestic partnership, or adoption, and not directly financially responsible for your health care. A witness cannot be a health care provider who is serving you at the time the document is signed or an employee of the health care provider unless the employee is a chaplain or social worker. A witness cannot be an employee of an inpatient health care facility in which you are a patient, unless the employee is a chaplain or social worker. A witness cannot be your health care agent nor have a claim on any portion of your estate.
](https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/forms/advdirectives/f00085.pdf) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. | **Official source** [Emergency Care DNR order and DNR bracelet program](https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/ems/dnr.htm) | **Official source** [Wisconsin statutory power of attorney for finances and property](https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/forms/advdirectives/f00036.pdf) | [Wisconsin Department of Health Services](https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/forms/advdirectives/f00085.pdf); [Wisconsin Department of Health Services](https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/ems/dnr.htm); [Wisconsin Department of Health Services](https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/forms/advdirectives/f00036.pdf) |
| Wyoming | **Official source** [Not published](https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title35.pdf) | **Quoted excerpt** [The durable power of attorney must be acknowledged before a notarial officer or must be signed by at least two (2) witnesses, each of whom witnessed either the signing of the instrument by the principal or the principal's acknowledgement of the signature or of the instrument, each witness making the following declaration in substance: I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of Wyoming that the person who signed or acknowledged this document is known to me to be the principal, and the principal signed or acknowledged this document in my presence. (c) None of the following shall be used as a witness for a power of attorney for health care: (i) A treating health care provider or employee of the provider; (ii) The attorney-in-fact nominated in the writing; (iii) The operator of a community care facility or employee of the operator or facility; (iv) The operator of a residential care facility or employee of the operator or facility.
](https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title35.pdf) **Read the full rule** Excerpt only. Read the full source for witness qualifications, exceptions and signing instructions. This column concerns the health care document, not the financial power of attorney. | **Official source** [WyoPOLST portable medical orders](https://health.wyo.gov/aging/communityliving/polst/) | **Official source** [Statutory form power of attorney under section 3-9-301](https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title03.pdf) | [Wyoming Legislature](https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title35.pdf); [Wyoming Legislature](https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title03.pdf); [Wyoming Department of Health](https://health.wyo.gov/aging/communityliving/polst/) |
[Review benefit and tax paperwork](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/benefits)
## What should you confirm before choosing a document?
### Does this finder choose a document for me?
No. The state filter narrows a reference table. It does not assess your circumstances, choose a legal document, fill a form or submit paperwork. Talk with a lawyer in your state about which documents fit.
### Does the signing excerpt cover every requirement?
No. It quotes part of the linked health care document source. Read that source for witness qualifications, exceptions and full instructions. Financial power of attorney signing rules can differ. Ask a lawyer in your state about the document you are considering.
### What does Not published mean?
We did not verify that field in the cited state sources. It does not mean a form or program is unavailable. Use the linked state office to ask about current sources.
### When should I review these sources?
Return when you move, your wishes change or a state publishes new instructions. We recheck these sources every quarter. The calendar download sets a voluntary source review, not a signing or filing deadline.
## How does this tool work?
- **What it does**
Find official health care document sources, signing excerpts, medical order programs and statutory financial power of attorney forms by state.
- **How it decides**
Choose a state to show its row and the same three questions for a lawyer in your state. The filter changes only the visible rows. It does not assess your needs, select a document, fill a form or submit paperwork. The complete reference and all state options remain readable without scripts.
- **Your answers**
Your state choice stays in this browser. Anonymous tool-use counts contain no answers. A copied link includes your state choice in its fragment. Share links and downloads only with people you choose.
- **What it is based on**
It uses the official sources in the reference from state health departments, attorneys general, legislatures and courts. Signing excerpts concern the named health care document. Read the complete source for conditions and exceptions. Published DNR orders retain their narrower names. We recheck every source and form route every quarter. We recheck each official source at least once a year and update this page when one changes.
- **What it doesn't do**
This reference links official sources. It does not host a form, choose a legal document, fill a form, grant authority or give medical advice. Talk with a lawyer in your state about legal documents. Ask your clinician about medical orders. A calendar item is a voluntary source review, not a deadline. It covers the United States. This is general information, not legal, medical or financial advice.
## Where do these facts come from?
| Fact | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| The Alaska court self-help page refers readers to advance health care directive forms and instructions. | [Alaska Court System (current official source)](https://courts.alaska.gov/shc/probate/before-death.htm) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The health department publishes an Alabama advance directive form. | [Alabama Department of Public Health (current official source)](https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/cancer/assets/advdirective.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Alabama publishes a portable DNAR order under its health department rule. | [Alabama Department of Public Health (current official source)](https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/providerstandards/advance-directives.html) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The published form requires two qualified witnesses and lists their qualifications. | [Alabama Department of Public Health (current official source)](https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/cancer/assets/advdirective.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The health department publishes an Advance Care Plan form. | [Arkansas Department of Health (current official source)](https://healthy.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/AdvanceCarePlanForm.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The Advance Care Plan gives two qualified adult witness or notary alternatives. | [Arkansas Department of Health (current official source)](https://healthy.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/AdvanceCarePlanForm.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Arkansas publishes Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment. | [Arkansas Department of Health (current official source)](https://healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/certificates-records/polst/polst-forms-directions/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Arkansas says POLST does not replace an advance directive. | [Arkansas Department of Health (current official source)](https://healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/certificates-records/polst/polst-forms-directions/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The attorney general publishes a Health Care Power of Attorney form. | [Arizona Attorney General (current official source)](https://www.azag.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08/LCP%20-%20Healthcare%20POA_8.4.26.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The current attorney general health care power form gives witness or notary alternatives and exclusions. | [Arizona Attorney General (current official source)](https://www.azag.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08/LCP%20-%20Healthcare%20POA_8.4.26.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The attorney general provides a POLST form referral for serious illness or frailty near the end of life. | [Arizona Attorney General (current official source)](https://www.azag.gov/issues/elder-affairs/life-care-planning) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The attorney general publishes the statutory advance health care directive form. | [California Department of Justice (current official source)](https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/media/ProbateCodeAdvanceHealthCareDirectiveForm-fillable.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The form provides two qualified witnesses or a notary acknowledgment. | [California Department of Justice (current official source)](https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/media/ProbateCodeAdvanceHealthCareDirectiveForm-fillable.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| California courts refer readers to the California Statutory Power of Attorney form. | [California Courts (current official source)](https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/wills-estates-probate/legal-documents) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| At least one witness must make the additional family and estate-interest declaration. | [California Department of Justice (current official source)](https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/media/ProbateCodeAdvanceHealthCareDirectiveForm-fillable.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Skilled nursing facility patients have an additional patient advocate or ombudsman statement. | [California Department of Justice (current official source)](https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/media/ProbateCodeAdvanceHealthCareDirectiveForm-fillable.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The public health department identifies the Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment form as voluntary. | [California Department of Public Health (current official source)](https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHCQ/LCP/Pages/AFL-09-27.aspx) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The form excludes listed health providers and facility operators or employees as witnesses. | [California Department of Justice (current official source)](https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/media/ProbateCodeAdvanceHealthCareDirectiveForm-fillable.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Section 15-18-105 lists excluded people and the route when the declarant cannot physically sign. | [Colorado General Assembly, Office of Legislative Legal Services (current official source)](https://olls.info/crs/crs2026-title-15.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Section 15-18-106 provides two witnesses or an acknowledgment for a medical-treatment declaration, with a court caveat and disqualifications. | [Colorado General Assembly, Office of Legislative Legal Services (current official source)](https://olls.info/crs/crs2026-title-15.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Section 15-14-741 supplies a statutory property power of attorney form. | [Colorado General Assembly, Office of Legislative Legal Services (current official source)](https://olls.info/crs/crs2026-title-15.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Section 15-18.7-103 specifies Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment form contents. | [Colorado General Assembly, Office of Legislative Legal Services (current official source)](https://olls.info/crs/crs2026-title-15.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The attorney general publishes a combined advance directives form with separate optional sections. | [Connecticut Office of the Attorney General (current official source)](https://portal.ct.gov/en/ag/health-issues/connecticuts-living-will-laws) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Section 19a-576 requires two adult witnesses to appoint a health care representative and excludes the representative. | [Connecticut General Assembly (current official source)](https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_368w.htm) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Section 19a-576 adds witness qualifications for specified mental-health and developmental-services facilities. | [Connecticut General Assembly (current official source)](https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_368w.htm) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Section 1-352 provides statutory short and long power of attorney forms. | [Connecticut General Assembly (current official source)](https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_015c.htm) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Connecticut publishes Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment. | [Connecticut Department of Public Health (current official source)](https://portal.ct.gov/dph/about/molst) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The D.C. Code supplies a sample durable health care power of attorney form and permits alternatives meeting the statute. | [Council of the District of Columbia (current official source)](https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/21-2207) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Section 21-2205 requires two qualified adult witnesses and an independent witness. | [Council of the District of Columbia (current official source)](https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/21-2205) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Section 21-2603.01 supplies a statutory power form subject to a potential additional real-estate notice requirement. | [Council of the District of Columbia (current official source)](https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/21-2603.01) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| DC Health operates the Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment program. | [District of Columbia Department of Health (current official source)](https://dchealth.dc.gov/most) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Section 2511 supplies an optional advance health-care directive form. | [Delaware General Assembly (current official source)](https://delcode.delaware.gov/title16/c025/index.html) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Delaware publishes a Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment program. | [Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (current official source)](https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhcc/dmost/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Section 2508 requires one qualified adult witness and defines the permitted ways to be present. | [Delaware General Assembly (current official source)](https://delcode.delaware.gov/title16/c025/index.html) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Section 49A-301 provides a durable personal power of attorney form for property decisions, distinct from health care. | [Delaware General Assembly (current official source)](https://delcode.delaware.gov/title12/c049a/sc03/index.html) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Section 2509 adds a separate record and two physically present adult witnesses for the specified mental-health nonrevocation direction. | [Delaware General Assembly (current official source)](https://delcode.delaware.gov/title16/c025/index.html) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Section 765.203 provides a suggested health care surrogate form. | [Florida Legislature (current official source)](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0765/Sections/0765.203.html) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Florida Health publishes the Do Not Resuscitate Order route. | [Florida Department of Health (current official source)](https://www.floridahealth.gov/about-us/resources/do-not-resuscitate-order/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Section 765.202 requires two qualified adult subscribing witnesses and describes signing at the principal's direction. | [Florida Legislature (current official source)](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0765/Sections/0765.202.html) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The attorney general refers readers to the Georgia Advance Directive for Health Care form. | [Georgia Office of the Attorney General (current official source)](https://consumer.georgia.gov/advance-directives) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Georgia Public Health publishes Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment form links. | [Georgia Department of Public Health (current official source)](https://dph.georgia.gov/POLST) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The health department publishes an optional advance health care directive. | [Hawaii Department of Health, Executive Office on Aging (current official source)](https://health.hawaii.gov/eoa/files/2013/04/AHCD.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The form instructions provide two qualified witnesses or a notary. | [Hawaii Department of Health, Executive Office on Aging (current official source)](https://health.hawaii.gov/eoa/files/2013/04/AHCD.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Hawaii identifies POLST as Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment signed by specified clinicians. | [Hawaii Department of Health, Executive Office on Aging (current official source)](https://health.hawaii.gov/eoa/polst/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The form excludes specified witnesses and requires one witness without family or inheritance ties. | [Hawaii Department of Health, Executive Office on Aging (current official source)](https://health.hawaii.gov/eoa/files/2013/04/AHCD.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Section 144B.5 provides an optional durable health care power form. | [Iowa Legislature (current official source)](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/2026/144B.5.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Section 144B.3 supplies two qualified witness or notarial alternatives with witness restrictions. | [Iowa Legislature (current official source)](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/2026/144B.3.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Section 633B.301 supplies a statutory property power form. | [Iowa Legislature (current official source)](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/2026/633B.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Iowa Health publishes Iowa Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment. | [Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (current official source)](https://hhs.iowa.gov/ipost) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The attorney general provides the Idaho Advance Directive and update resources. | [Idaho Office of the Attorney General (current official source)](https://www.ag.idaho.gov/office-resources/advance-directives-and-registry-services/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Section 39-4510 lists the mandatory elements of an advance care planning document. | [Idaho Legislature (current official source)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title39/T39CH45/SECT39-4510/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The statute lists witness details and notarization as optional ACPD contents. | [Idaho Legislature (current official source)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title39/T39CH45/SECT39-4510/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The health department registry supports advance directives and Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment. | [Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (current official source)](https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/birth-marriage-death-records/idaho-healthcare-directive-registry) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Public Health publishes the Illinois Statutory Short Form Power of Attorney for Health Care. | [Illinois Department of Public Health (current official source)](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/files/forms/powerofattorneyhealthcareform.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The statutory health care form requires a witness and says notarization is unnecessary. | [Illinois Department of Public Health (current official source)](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/files/forms/powerofattorneyhealthcareform.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The form explains that a qualifying nonstatutory health care power need not be witnessed. | [Illinois Department of Public Health (current official source)](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/files/forms/powerofattorneyhealthcareform.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Public Health publishes a Uniform Practitioner Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment order. | [Illinois Department of Public Health (current official source)](https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/health-care-regulation/nursing-homes/advance-directives.html) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The statutory health care form witness must meet its age and disqualification rules. | [Illinois Department of Public Health (current official source)](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/files/forms/powerofattorneyhealthcareform.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Indiana Health says no official or mandatory advance directive form must be followed, while Indiana law still governs validity. | [Indiana Department of Health (current official source)](https://www.in.gov/health/cshcr/healthcare-quality-resource-center/advance-directives-resource-center/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Indiana Health publishes a Physicians Order for Scope of Treatment form. | [Indiana Department of Health (current official source)](https://www.in.gov/health/cshcr/healthcare-quality-resource-center/advance-directives-resource-center/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Section 58-632 supplies the health care durable power form. | [Kansas Legislature, Office of Revisor of Statutes (current official source)](https://kslegislature.gov/b2023_24/laws/058_000_0000_chapter/058_006_0000_article/058_006_0032_section/058_006_0032_k/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Section 58-629 provides two qualified adult witnesses or notary acknowledgment. | [Kansas Legislature, Office of Revisor of Statutes (current official source)](https://kslegislature.gov/b2023_24/laws/058_000_0000_chapter/058_006_0000_article/058_006_0029_section/058_006_0029_k/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Kentucky publishes a statutory living will directive. | [Kentucky General Assembly (current official source)](https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=42591) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The official source states the execution requirements for the linked health care directive. | [Kentucky General Assembly (current official source)](https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=42591) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Kentucky publishes a statutory form power of attorney for property. | [Kentucky General Assembly (current official source)](https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=50172) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Kentucky incorporates the Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment form. | [Kentucky General Assembly (current official source)](https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/201/009/470/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Louisiana publishes an illustrative declaration concerning life-sustaining procedures. | [Louisiana State Legislature (current official source)](https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=964664) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The official source states the execution requirements for the linked health care directive. | [Louisiana State Legislature (current official source)](https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=964664) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Louisiana law provides for the Louisiana Physician Order for Scope of Treatment program. | [Louisiana State Legislature (current official source)](https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=964688) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Louisiana defines a qualified witness for the declaration. | [Louisiana State Legislature (current official source)](https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=964663) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Massachusetts DPH offers partner-provided health care proxy and personal directive form resources. | [Massachusetts Department of Public Health (current official source)](https://www.mass.gov/doc/dph-letter-health-care-proxy-and-personal-directive-living-will-june-3-2026/download) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The official source states the execution requirements for the linked health care directive. | [Massachusetts General Court (current official source)](https://malegislature.gov/laws/generallaws/partii/titleii/chapter201d/section2) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The Massachusetts DPH MOLST Subcommittee provides information and a referral about the MOLST form. | [Massachusetts Department of Public Health, MOLST Subcommittee (current official source)](https://www.mass.gov/orgs/molst-subcommittee) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Massachusetts law directs the MOLST program to transition to the national POLST model. | [Massachusetts General Court (current official source)](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter19A/Section44) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Maryland Health publishes downloadable advance directive forms. | [Maryland Department of Health (current official source)](https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/ccdb/ADP/Pages/Individual-Resources.aspx) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The official source states the execution requirements for the linked health care directive. | [Maryland General Assembly (current official source)](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=ghg§ion=5-602) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Maryland publishes a statutory personal financial power of attorney. | [Maryland General Assembly (current official source)](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=get§ion=17-202) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Maryland Health names Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment and distinguishes them from advance directives. | [Maryland Department of Health (current official source)](https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/ccdb/ADP/Pages/Physician-Resources---Adv-Care.aspx) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Maryland permits a defined unwitnessed electronic video directive. | [Maryland General Assembly (current official source)](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=ghg§ion=5-602) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Maryland restricts agent witnesses and requires one witness without a known financial interest at death. | [Maryland General Assembly (current official source)](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=ghg§ion=5-602) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Maine publishes an optional statutory advance health care directive. | [Maine Legislature (current official source)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/18-C/title18-Csec5-805.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The official source states the execution requirements for the linked health care directive. | [Maine Legislature (current official source)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/18-c/title18-Csec5-803.html) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Maine permits a specific remote-signing process for an isolated principal in a health care facility. | [Maine Legislature (current official source)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/18-C/title18-Csec5-803-A.html) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Michigan Attorney General provides medical power of attorney form referrals. | [Michigan Department of Attorney General (current official source)](https://www.michigan.gov/ag/initiatives/elder-abuse/elder-abuse-task-force) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Michigan Attorney General publishes the Michigan Statutory Form Power of Attorney. | [Michigan Department of Attorney General (current official source)](https://www.michigan.gov/ag/-/media/Project/Websites/AG/EATF/Michigan-Statutory-Form-Power-of-Attorney.pdf?rev=6c4825f9d4814c1a843c524d7c4efe91) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Michigan Health names Michigan Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment. | [Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (current official source)](https://www.michigan.gov/en/mdhhs/inside-mdhhs/legislationpolicy/ems/news/mi-post) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Minnesota publishes a suggested statutory health care directive form. | [Minnesota Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes (current official source)](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/145C.16/pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The official source states the execution requirements for the linked health care directive. | [Minnesota Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes (current official source)](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/145C.16/pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Minnesota publishes a statutory short form power of attorney. | [Minnesota Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes (current official source)](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/523/full) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Minnesota Health identifies Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment. | [Minnesota Department of Health (current official source)](https://www.health.mn.gov/people/palliative/advcareplan.html) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The Minnesota form restricts the notary and health care agent witnesses and direct-care provider witnesses. | [Minnesota Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes (current official source)](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/145C.16/pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Missouri publishes a sample declaration directing withholding or withdrawal of death-prolonging procedures. | [Missouri Revisor of Statutes (current official source)](https://www.revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?bid=25812&hl=+to+459.%25u2044459.015&hlr=y§ion=459.015) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The official source states the execution requirements for the linked health care directive. | [Missouri Revisor of Statutes (current official source)](https://www.revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?bid=25812&hl=+to+459.%25u2044459.015&hlr=y§ion=459.015) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Missouri statute recognizes TPOPP and POLST forms subject to department approval and stated conditions. | [Missouri Revisor of Statutes (current official source)](https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=190.613) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Mississippi hospice standards describe advance directives as treatment instructions or designation of a decision maker. | [Mississippi State Department of Health (current official source)](https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/30%2C2348%2C83%2C60%2Cpdf/Hospice_regulations.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Montana Attorney General publishes the My Choices Advance Directive. | [Montana Department of Justice (current official source)](https://dojmt.gov/wp-content/uploads/My-Choices-Advance-Directive-8.28.17.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The official source states the execution requirements for the linked health care directive. | [Montana Department of Justice (current official source)](https://dojmt.gov/wp-content/uploads/My-Choices-Advance-Directive-8.28.17.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Montana courts link the statutory form power of attorney under MCA 72-31-353. | [Montana Judicial Branch (current official source)](https://courts.mt.gov/Forms/guardianship) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Montana Health publishes Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment resources. | [Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (current official source)](https://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/emsts/polst) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Montana My Choices witnesses attest adulthood, presence, and absence of duress. | [Montana Department of Justice (current official source)](https://dojmt.gov/wp-content/uploads/My-Choices-Advance-Directive-8.28.17.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| North Carolina publishes a statutory health care power of attorney form. | [North Carolina General Assembly (current official source)](https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/ByArticle/Chapter_32A/Article_3.html) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| North Carolina preserves validity of instruments executed under its limited earlier emergency witness waiver. | [North Carolina General Assembly (current official source)](https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/ByArticle/Chapter_32A/Article_3.html) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The official source states the execution requirements for the linked health care directive. | [North Carolina General Assembly (current official source)](https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/ByArticle/Chapter_32A/Article_3.html) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| North Carolina publishes a statutory financial power of attorney. | [North Carolina General Assembly (current official source)](https://www3.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/ByArticle/Chapter_32C/Article_3.html) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| North Carolina Health publishes the official Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment program referral. | [North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Emergency Medical Services (current official source)](https://oems.nc.gov/dnr-most/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| North Carolina defines qualified witnesses for the health care power of attorney. | [North Carolina General Assembly (current official source)](https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/ByArticle/Chapter_32A/Article_3.html) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| North Dakota publishes an optional statutory health care directive form. | [North Dakota Legislative Branch (current official source)](https://ndlegis.gov/prod/cencode/t23c06-5.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| North Dakota requires notarization or at least two adult witnesses to verify a health care directive signature. | [North Dakota Legislative Branch (current official source)](https://ndlegis.gov/prod/cencode/t23c06-5.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| North Dakota excludes specified agents, relatives and estate interests from serving as notaries or witnesses. | [North Dakota Legislative Branch (current official source)](https://ndlegis.gov/prod/cencode/t23c06-5.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Nebraska publishes a statutory power of attorney for health care form. | [Nebraska Legislature (current official source)](https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/display_html.php?begin_section=30-3401&end_section=30-3432) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The official source states the execution requirements for the linked health care directive. | [Nebraska Legislature (current official source)](https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/display_html.php?begin_section=30-3401&end_section=30-3432) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Nebraska courts publish statutory financial power of attorney information and a form. | [Nebraska Judicial Branch (current official source)](https://supremecourt.nebraska.gov/self-help/medical/power-attorney) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Nebraska restricts health care power of attorney witnesses. | [Nebraska Legislature (current official source)](https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/display_html.php?begin_section=30-3401&end_section=30-3432) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| New Hampshire publishes a statutory advance directive with health care power of attorney and living will components. | [New Hampshire General Court (current official source)](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/x/137-J/137-J-20.htm) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The official source states the execution requirements for the linked health care directive. | [New Hampshire General Court (current official source)](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/X/137-J/137-J-19.htm) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| New Hampshire publishes a statutory power of attorney for money and property. | [New Hampshire General Court (current official source)](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LVI/564-E/564-E-301.htm) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| New Hampshire law defines provider orders for life-sustaining treatment. | [New Hampshire General Court (current official source)](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/X/137-L/137-L-mrg.htm) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| New Jersey Health publishes a Proxy Directive form. | [New Jersey Department of Health (current official source)](https://www.nj.gov/health/advancedirective/documents/proxy_directive.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The official source states the execution requirements for the linked health care directive. | [New Jersey Department of Health (current official source)](https://www.nj.gov/health/advancedirective/ad/forums-faqs/index.shtml) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| New Jersey Health publishes Practitioner Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment resources. | [New Jersey Department of Health (current official source)](https://www.nj.gov/health/advancedirective/polst/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| A New Jersey health care representative cannot witness the advance directive. | [New Jersey Department of Health (current official source)](https://www.nj.gov/health/advancedirective/ad/forums-faqs/index.shtml) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| New Mexico courts publish the statutory form power of attorney for property. | [New Mexico Supreme Court (current official source)](https://supremecourt.nmcourts.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2024/01/Statutory-Power-of-Attorney-45-5B-301.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| New Mexico Health names Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment and refers readers to the current program. | [New Mexico Department of Health (current official source)](https://www.nmhealth.org/about/erd/emsb/advd/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Nevada publishes an optional statutory advance health-care directive. | [Nevada Legislature (current official source)](https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-162a.html) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The official source states the execution requirements for the linked health care directive. | [Nevada Legislature (current official source)](https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-162a.html) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Nevada publishes a statutory financial power of attorney. | [Nevada Legislature (current official source)](https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-162a.html) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Nevada Health identifies Physician Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment resources. | [Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (current official source)](https://www.dpbh.nv.gov/regulatory/emergency-medical-systems-ems/do-not-resuscitate-dnr-physician-order-for-life-sustaining-treatment-polst/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| New York Attorney General describes the standard health care proxy form. | [New York State Office of the Attorney General (current official source)](https://ag.ny.gov/publications/advance-directives) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The official source states the execution requirements for the linked health care directive. | [New York State Office of the Attorney General (current official source)](https://ag.ny.gov/publications/advance-directives) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| New York publishes the statutory short form power of attorney. | [New York State Senate (current official source)](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GOB/5-1513) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| New York Health publishes Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment resources. | [New York State Department of Health (current official source)](https://healthweb-back.health.ny.gov/professionals/patients/patient_rights/molst/index.htm) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Ohio publishes DNR Comfort Care and DNR Comfort Care Arrest orders. | [Ohio Department of Health (current official source)](https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/do-not-resuscitate/welcome) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Ohio allows qualified adult witnesses or a notary for a durable power of attorney for health care. | [Ohio Legislative Service Commission (current official source)](https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-1337.12) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Ohio Revised Code Section 1337.60 publishes a statutory financial power of attorney form. | [Ohio Legislative Service Commission (current official source)](https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-1337.60) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Oklahoma publishes an advance directive form in Title 63. | [Oklahoma Senate (current official source)](https://oksenate.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/os63.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Oklahoma requires two adult witnesses who are not legatees, devisees or heirs for an advance directive. | [Oklahoma Senate (current official source)](https://oksenate.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/os63.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Oklahoma publishes a statutory financial power of attorney form in Title 15. | [Oklahoma Senate (current official source)](https://oksenate.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/os15.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Oklahoma statutes name the Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment form. | [Oklahoma Senate (current official source)](https://oksenate.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/os63.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Oregon Health Authority publishes advance directive forms. | [Oregon Health Authority (current official source)](https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/about/pages/adac-forms.aspx) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Oregon requires a signature and two witnesses or a notary, with acceptance by the health care representative. | [Oregon Health Authority (current official source)](https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/ABOUT/Documents/ADAC%20RAC/LARGE%20PRINT%20OHA%203905_OR%20Advance%20Directive%20for%20Health_v1.1.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Oregon Health Authority refers to its POLST program. | [Oregon Health Authority (current official source)](https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/ABOUT/Pages/AdvanceDirectiveAdoptionCommittee.aspx) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Oregon excludes the health care representative and attending provider from witnessing this form. | [Oregon Health Authority (current official source)](https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/ABOUT/Documents/ADAC%20RAC/LARGE%20PRINT%20OHA%203905_OR%20Advance%20Directive%20for%20Health_v1.1.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Pennsylvania publishes a combined living will and health care power of attorney example. | [Pennsylvania General Assembly (current official source)](https://www.palegis.us/statutes/consolidated/view-statute?chpt=54&div=0&iFrame=true&sctn=71&subsctn=0&ttl=20&txtType=HTM) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Pennsylvania requires a signed health care power of attorney and two adult witnesses. | [Pennsylvania General Assembly (current official source)](https://www.palegis.us/statutes/consolidated/view-statute?chpt=54&div=0&iFrame=true&sctn=52&subsctn=0&ttl=20&txtType=HTM) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Pennsylvania Department of Health publishes POLST forms and program guidance. | [Pennsylvania Department of Health (current official source)](https://www.pa.gov/agencies/health/healthcare-and-public-health-professionals/ems/ems-resources) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Rhode Island publishes a statutory durable power of attorney for health care. | [Rhode Island General Assembly (current official source)](https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE23/23-4.10/23-4.10-2.HTM) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Rhode Island allows a notary or two qualified witnesses for its statutory health care power of attorney. | [Rhode Island Department of Health (current official source)](https://health.ri.gov/forms/legal/DurablePowerOfAttorneyForHealthcare.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Rhode Island publishes a statutory short form financial power of attorney. | [Rhode Island General Assembly (current official source)](https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE18/18-16/18-16-2.htm) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Rhode Island publishes Medical Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment. | [Rhode Island Department of Health (current official source)](https://health.ri.gov/death-and-dying/medical-orders-life-sustaining-treatment-molst) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Rhode Island specifies disqualified witnesses and requires an additional family and estate-interest declaration. | [Rhode Island Department of Health (current official source)](https://health.ri.gov/forms/legal/DurablePowerOfAttorneyForHealthcare.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| South Carolina publishes a statutory health care power of attorney form. | [South Carolina Legislature (current official source)](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t62c005.php) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| South Carolina requires two witnesses and detailed witness declarations for a health care power of attorney. | [South Carolina Legislature (current official source)](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t62c005.php) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| South Carolina's statutory health care power of attorney includes a notarial acknowledgment. | [South Carolina Legislature (current official source)](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t62c005.php) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| South Carolina law establishes Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment. | [South Carolina Legislature (current official source)](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t44c080.php) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| South Dakota publishes an optional statutory living will declaration. | [South Dakota Legislature (current official source)](https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/34-12D-3.html) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| South Dakota allows two adult witnesses or a notarized signature for a living will declaration. | [South Dakota Legislature (current official source)](https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/34-12D-2.html) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| South Dakota publishes a statutory financial power of attorney form. | [South Dakota Legislature (current official source)](https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/59-12-41.html) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| South Dakota Department of Health refers to Medical Order for Scope of Treatment. | [South Dakota Department of Health (current official source)](https://doh.sd.gov/healthcare-professionals/advance-directives-and-medical-orders/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Tennessee publishes a combined Advance Directive for Health Care form. | [Tennessee Department of Health (current official source)](https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/Advance_Directive_for_Health_Care.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Tennessee allows two competent adult witnesses or a notary for its advance directive form. | [Tennessee Department of Health (current official source)](https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/Advance_Directive_for_Health_Care.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Tennessee Department of Health explains Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment. | [Tennessee Department of Health (current official source)](https://www.tn.gov/health/healthyaging) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Texas Health and Human Services publishes a medical power of attorney form. | [Texas Health and Human Services Commission (current official source)](https://fhb.hhs.texas.gov/forms/advance-directives/medical-power-attorney-designation-health-care-agent-mpoa) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Texas publishes an Out-of-Hospital Do-Not-Resuscitate order. | [Texas Health and Human Services Commission (current official source)](https://fhb.hhs.texas.gov/forms/advance-directives) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Texas allows a notary or two competent adult witnesses for a medical power of attorney. | [Texas Health and Human Services Commission (current official source)](https://fhb.hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/medical-power-of-attorney-designation-of-health-care-agent-mpoa-english.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Texas publishes a Statutory Durable Power of Attorney for property decisions. | [Texas Health and Human Services Commission (current official source)](https://fhb.hhs.texas.gov/forms/advance-directives/statutory-durable-power-attorney-sdpoa) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Texas excludes specified agents, relatives and financial or care interests from acting as one of the witnesses. | [Texas Health and Human Services Commission (current official source)](https://fhb.hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/medical-power-of-attorney-designation-of-health-care-agent-mpoa-english.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Utah publishes an optional advance health care directive form under section 75A-9-110. | [Utah Legislature (current official source)](https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title75A/Chapter9/C75A-9-S110_2026010120250507.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Utah's optional form requires a qualified adult witness when naming an agent. | [Utah Legislature (current official source)](https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title75A/Chapter9/C75A-9-S110_2026010120250507.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Utah publishes a statutory financial power of attorney form under section 75A-2-301. | [Utah Legislature (current official source)](https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title75A/Chapter2/C75A-2-S301_2024090120240501.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Utah permits a qualified witness to be present through specified audio or video communication. | [Utah Legislature (current official source)](https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title75A/Chapter9/C75A-9_2026010120250507.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Virginia publishes a suggested statutory advance directive form. | [Virginia General Assembly (current official source)](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title54.1/chapter29/section54.1-2984/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Virginia Department of Health publishes the Durable Do Not Resuscitate Program. | [Virginia Department of Health (current official source)](https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/emergency-medical-services/trauma-critical-care/durable-do-not-resuscitate-program/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Virginia requires two subscribing witnesses for a written advance directive. | [Virginia General Assembly (current official source)](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title54.1/chapter29/section54.1-2983/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Vermont Department of Health links to advance directive and health care agent forms. | [Vermont Department of Health (current official source)](https://www.healthvermont.gov/systems/advance-directives/create-register-and-make-changes-advance-directive) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Vermont publishes DNR and Clinician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment. | [Vermont Department of Health (current official source)](https://www.healthvermont.gov/systems/advance-directives/do-not-resuscitate-dnrclinician-orders-life-sustaining-treatment-colst) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Vermont requires two adult witnesses for an advance directive. | [Vermont General Assembly (current official source)](https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/18/231/09703) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Vermont excludes specified relatives and agents as witnesses and has additional execution safeguards in care facilities. | [Vermont General Assembly (current official source)](https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/18/231/09703) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Washington publishes a statutory health care directive form. | [Washington State Legislature (current official source)](https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=70.122.030) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Washington allows a notary or two qualified witnesses for a health care directive. | [Washington State Legislature (current official source)](https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=70.122.030) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Washington Department of Health refers to Portable Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment. | [Washington State Department of Health (current official source)](https://doh.wa.gov/public-health-provider-resources/emergency-medical-services-ems-and-trauma-care-system/portable-orders-life-sustaining-treatment-polst) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Wisconsin publishes a Power of Attorney for Health Care form. | [Wisconsin Department of Health Services (current official source)](https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/forms/advdirectives/f00085.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Wisconsin Department of Health Services publishes emergency DNR guidance. | [Wisconsin Department of Health Services (current official source)](https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/ems/dnr.htm) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Wisconsin requires two qualified adult witnesses for its health care power of attorney. | [Wisconsin Department of Health Services (current official source)](https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/forms/advdirectives/f00085.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Wisconsin publishes a statutory financial and property power of attorney form. | [Wisconsin Department of Health Services (current official source)](https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/forms/advdirectives/f00036.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| West Virginia publishes optional living will and medical power of attorney forms. | [West Virginia Legislature (current official source)](https://code.wvlegislature.gov/16-30-4/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| West Virginia requires two adult witnesses and notarized witness attestations for its written directives. | [West Virginia Legislature (current official source)](https://code.wvlegislature.gov/16-30-4/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| West Virginia publishes a statutory financial power of attorney form. | [West Virginia Legislature (current official source)](https://code.wvlegislature.gov/39B-3-101/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| West Virginia law provides for Portable Orders for Scope of Treatment. | [West Virginia Legislature (current official source)](https://code.wvlegislature.gov/email/16-30/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| West Virginia excludes specified relatives, agents, care interests and estate interests from serving as witnesses. | [West Virginia Legislature (current official source)](https://code.wvlegislature.gov/16-30-4/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Wyoming allows a notarial acknowledgment or two qualified witnesses for a health care power of attorney. | [Wyoming Legislature (current official source)](https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title35.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Wyoming publishes a statutory financial power of attorney form. | [Wyoming Legislature (current official source)](https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title03.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Wyoming Department of Health publishes the WyoPOLST program. | [Wyoming Department of Health (current official source)](https://health.wyo.gov/aging/communityliving/polst/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
Facts approved by the [Plan Before You Die editor](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/editorial-policy).
This tool is general information, not legal advice. Plan Before You Die isn't connected with Medicare or the U.S. government. Something wrong here? Tell us.
**Cite this.** Plan Before You Die, Official advance directive and power of attorney sources by state, version 1, planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/advance-directive-forms-by-state, CC BY 4.0.