Iowa Advanced Healthcare Directives: Protect Your Wishes Before You Need Them

EmergencyNotaryServices.com
Jun 26
3 min read

In Iowa, making your healthcare wishes known before a medical emergency gives both you and your loved ones peace of mind. Completing your Advanced Healthcare Directives ensures that your preferences for medical treatment and end of life care are legally documented and can be followed when it matters most.

At EmergencyNotaryServices.com, we make it easy for Iowa residents to get started by offering free downloadable forms from AARP, accessible directly on our website. Below, we’ll walk you through what these directives are, what’s included, and how to get them properly signed and notarized.

📘 What Is an Advanced Healthcare Directive?

An Advanced Healthcare Directive is a legal document that outlines:

Who can make healthcare decisions for you if you're unable to do so
What kind of medical treatments you want (or don’t want)
How you wish to be cared for in life-threatening or incapacitating situations

In Iowa, these directives are especially important when preparing for hospitalization, facing a serious illness, or planning for the future of your care in situations where you cannot speak for yourself.

📂 What’s Included in an Iowa Advanced Healthcare Directive Package?

👤 Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care

This document lets you appoint a healthcare agent (also called a representative) to make medical decisions for you if you are unconscious or otherwise incapacitated. Your agent will act in your best interest and follow your stated preferences.

Note: In Iowa, this document must be notarized or signed in front of two qualified witnesses.

📝 Living Will (Declaration Relating to Use of Life-Sustaining Procedures)

A Living Will allows you to state your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments, such as ventilators, tube feeding, and resuscitation, in the event you are terminally ill or in a permanent unconscious state.

This document removes uncertainty for your loved ones and gives your healthcare team a clear, legal directive.

🔓 HIPAA Authorization

This form allows your healthcare agent or trusted family members to access your medical records, ensuring they can speak with your doctors and make informed decisions based on your health history and condition.

❌ Out-of-Hospital Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order

If you do not wish to receive CPR or other resuscitative measures, a DNR Order—completed and signed by your physician—is required. This form should be kept with you or clearly posted in your home for emergency responders.

⏰ Why Should You Complete These Forms Now?

Completing your Advanced Healthcare Directives in Iowa before a health crisis ensures:

✅ Your care preferences are followed
✅ Medical staff can act quickly and confidently
✅ Your loved ones won’t be left guessing or facing difficult choices under pressure

📥 Click here to download your free Iowa Healthcare Directive forms (via AARP)These forms are ready to fill, print, and sign—so you can be prepared, not caught off guard.

🖋️ Need a Notary? We’re Here to Help.

Many of Iowa’s healthcare directive forms require witnesses or notarization. A notarized document adds an extra layer of legal assurance, especially in hospitals or across state lines.

🔎 Use our Notary Directory to find a professional near you.🚗 Don’t see one listed? Request a free quote and we’ll connect you with a mobile or remote notary who can meet you at your home, hospital, or senior care facility.

Our notaries are experienced with healthcare documents and can ensure your forms are properly executed according to Iowa law.

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✅ Take the Next Step in Securing Your Healthcare Wishes

Whether you’re managing a medical condition, planning for surgery, or simply being proactive, creating your Advanced Healthcare Directives in Iowa is one of the most responsible decisions you can make.

Let EmergencyNotaryServices.com support you every step of the way: