COMPLETING YOUR MISSOURI ADVANCE DIRECTIVE
How do I make my Missouri Advance Directive Legal?
In order for Part I to be effective, you must have your signature notarized.
In order for Part II to be effective, you must sign and date your Missouri Advance Directive in the presence of two witnesses who are 18 years or older, neither of whom can be a person signing on your behalf if you are physically unable to sign for yourself.
If you fill out both Part I and Part II, you will need to have your signature both witnessed and notarized.
Who should I pick as my Agent?
Your agent is the person you appoint to make decisions about your health care if you become unable to make those decisions yourself. Your agent may be a family member or a close friend whom you trust to make serious decisions. The person you name as your agent should clearly understand your wishes and be willing to accept the responsibility of making health care decisions for you.
Your agent may not be your physician or an employee of your physician, or an owner, operator, or employee of the health care facility in which you reside, unless the person is your spouse, parent, child, grandparent, sibling, or grandchild.
You can appoint a second person as your alternate agent. The alternate will step in if the first person you name as an agent is unable, unwilling, or unavailable to act for you.
Should I add other instructions to my Missouri Advance Directive?
One of the strongest reasons for naming an agent is to have someone who can respond flexibly as your health care situation changes and deal with situations that you did not foresee. If you add instructions to this document it may help your agent carry out your wishes, but be careful that you do not unintentionally restrict your agent’s power to act in your best interest. In any event, be sure to talk with your agent about your future medical care and describe what you consider to be an acceptable “quality of life.”
What if I change my mind?
You may revoke your MissouriAdvanceDirective at any time and in any manner that reflects your intent to revoke. Examples of revocation include tearing your document, orally stating your intent to revoke, or executing a written revocation.