Massachusetts Advanced Healthcare Directives: Make Your Voice Heard in Times of Crisis

EmergencyNotaryServices.com
Jul 6
3 min read

When a medical emergency strikes, will your loved ones and healthcare providers know what care you want? In Massachusetts, having an Advanced Healthcare Directive ensures your healthcare wishes are clearly documented and legally recognized—especially if you're unable to speak for yourself.

At EmergencyNotaryServices.com, we provide free downloadable Massachusetts-specific forms from AARP.com, giving you the tools you need to plan ahead. In this blog, we’ll explain what Advanced Healthcare Directives are, what's included in the standard package, and how you can ensure your documents are legally valid and ready—before you ever need them.

📘 What Is an Advanced Healthcare Directive?

An Advanced Healthcare Directive is a legal document that helps you prepare for serious illness, hospitalization, or end of life care. It allows you to:

Appoint someone you trust to make healthcare decisions on your behalf
Express your preferences for medical treatments
Ensure your wishes are followed during emergencies or periods of incapacity

In Massachusetts, these directives are essential for anyone who wants to remain in control of their medical care—even when they can’t speak for themselves.

📂 What’s Included in a Massachusetts Advanced Healthcare Directive Package?

👤 Health Care Proxy

Massachusetts law uses the Health Care Proxy form to allow you to name a trusted person—called your healthcare agent—to make decisions if you are unconscious or otherwise unable to speak for yourself.

✅ This document must be signed in the presence of two adult witnesses. Notarization is not required by state law, but many people still choose to notarize for added peace of mind—especially when traveling or dealing with multiple healthcare facilities.

📝 Personal Directive (Living Will)

While not legally binding in Massachusetts, a Personal Directive (sometimes called a Living Will) can be used to describe your end of life care preferences. This document can guide your agent and medical team on treatments such as CPR, mechanical ventilation, tube feeding, and more.

This is a powerful communication tool—even if it's not legally binding on its own.

🔐 HIPAA Authorization

A HIPAA Authorization Form allows your healthcare agent and selected individuals to access your protected medical records. This is essential for informed decision-making and smooth coordination with healthcare providers.

❌ Massachusetts Comfort Care/DNR Order (Optional)

If you wish not to be resuscitated in an emergency, your physician can complete a Comfort Care/DNR Order with you. This form is separate from the Health Care Proxy and should be kept visible in your home or medical file to be honored by emergency responders.

⏰ Why Complete These Documents Now?

Emergencies rarely give us time to plan. By completing your Advanced Healthcare Directives in Massachusetts today, you ensure:

✅ Your care matches your personal values and preferences
✅ Your agent and medical team have clear legal guidance
✅ Your family avoids painful and uncertain decision-making in a crisis

📥 Click here to download your free Massachusetts Advanced Directive forms (via AARP)These forms are easy to complete and specifically tailored to meet Massachusetts guidelines.

🖋️ Need a Notary? We’ve Got You Covered.

While Massachusetts does not require notarization for Health Care Proxy forms, many individuals choose to notarize their documents for added legal confidence—especially when traveling, entering long-term care, or working across state lines.

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

Our notaries are experienced with healthcare forms and ensure your documentation is completed correctly and securely.

Search Our Directory

✅ Take Control of Your Healthcare Decisions Today

Whether you’re planning for surgery, managing a chronic condition, or simply preparing for the future, completing your Advanced Healthcare Directives in Massachusetts is one of the most responsible and compassionate actions you can take.

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