Understanding the essentials of an Advance Medical Directive helps you take control of your future health care decisions. Wisconsin’s laws clearly define what must be included in these documents and how to make them valid. This page outlines the key elements, required forms, legal standards, and steps to create a legally enforceable directive.
What Are the Essentials of an Advance Medical Directive in Wisconsin?
The essentials of an Advance Medical Directive in Wisconsin include documenting your medical treatment preferences and appointing someone to make decisions if you cannot communicate. These documents ensure your wishes guide your medical care and provide clarity for loved ones and health care providers.
The Two Core Components
Wisconsin Advance Directives typically include:
Living Will
A Living Will states your choices for life-sustaining treatments if you are terminally ill or in a persistent vegetative state. It addresses interventions such as ventilators, feeding tubes, and other life-support methods.
Power of Attorney for Health Care
A Power of Attorney for Health Care names a trusted individual as your health care agent. This person is legally authorized to make medical decisions for you whenever you are unable to speak for yourself.
What Requirements Make an Advance Directive Valid in Wisconsin?
A valid Advance Medical Directive in Wisconsin must follow specific legal requirements to ensure it is enforceable. These rules help protect your choices and prevent disputes.
Your directive must be:
- In writing
- Signed and dated
- Witnessed by two qualified adults
- Witnesses must not be related to you, financially responsible for you, or involved in your medical care
Why Understanding the Essentials Matters
Knowing the essentials ensures your directive is both clear and legally recognized. It also gives your family confidence during stressful medical situations.
Key Benefits
- Ensures your values guide your medical treatment
- Prevents uncertainty and conflict among loved ones
- Gives your agent authority to act on your behalf
- Helps avoid unwanted interventions
- Reduces the need for court involvement in medical decisions
What Decisions Can You Include in an Advance Medical Directive?
Your directive can reflect your personal goals, values, and beliefs about medical care. These decisions help guide care teams during emergencies.
Common Choices
You may include preferences about:
- Use of ventilators or feeding tubes
- Pain management and comfort care
- Resuscitation and life-support measures
- Organ and tissue donation
- End-of-life wishes
How Do You Create an Advance Medical Directive in Wisconsin?
Creating your directive involves following a clear and legally defined process. These steps ensure your document is enforceable and easy for medical teams to follow.
Required Steps
- Write your Advance Medical Directive.
- Complete the Living Will and Power of Attorney for Health Care forms.
- Sign and date each document.
- Have two qualified adult witnesses present.
- Provide copies to your health care agent, doctor, and close family members.
- Store the original document in a safe but accessible location.
How Do You Choose the Right Health Care Agent?
Your health care agent must be someone who understands your values and can confidently make decisions on your behalf.
Qualities to Look For
- Understands your beliefs and medical preferences
- Comfortably communicates with medical teams
- Remains calm under pressure
Is willing to discuss difficult topics - Is prepared to advocate for your wishes
Have an open conversation with your chosen agent so they clearly understand your goals and responsibilities.
Contact Our Madison Advance Directive Attorneys
Working with an incapacity planning attorney ensures your Advance Medical Directive meets Wisconsin’s legal standards and reflects your personal wishes. At Borakove Osman LLC, we help individuals and families across Madison and Dane County create clear, legally strong directives. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and protect your voice in future medical decisions.
