Minnesota Advanced Healthcare Directives: Protect Your Wishes Before It’s Urgent

EmergencyNotaryServices.com
Jul 8, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Jul 22, 2025

Medical emergencies can happen when we least expect them. Whether you’re preparing for surgery, facing a chronic illness, or simply planning ahead, having your healthcare wishes legally documented gives you and your loved ones peace of mind. In Minnesota, an Advanced Healthcare Directive ensures your voice is heard—even if you’re unable to speak for yourself.

At EmergencyNotaryServices.com, we’ve made it easy for Minnesota residents to take this important step. We provide free downloadable Advanced Healthcare Directive forms from AARP.com directly through our website. Below, we’ll walk you through what’s included in a Minnesota directive package, how to complete it, and how to get it properly witnessed or notarized.

📘 What Is an Advanced Healthcare Directive?

An Advanced Healthcare Directive is a legal document that allows you to:

Appoint someone to make healthcare decisions for you if you’re incapacitated
Express your preferences for life-sustaining treatments
Guide doctors and family members during serious medical situations or end of life care

In Minnesota, this directive replaces what some states call a “Living Will” or “Medical Power of Attorney.” The Minnesota Health Care Directive combines these into one flexible, comprehensive form that aligns with state law.

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

👤 Healthcare Agent Appointment

This section allows you to name a healthcare agent (also called a proxy or representative) who will have the legal authority to make medical decisions on your behalf. Your agent can speak with doctors, approve or decline treatments, and ensure your care aligns with your values.

✅ Minnesota law requires the form to be witnessed by two adults or notarized to be valid.

📝 Instructions for Health Care

This section allows you to clearly state your preferences about life-sustaining treatments, such as CPR, ventilators, artificial nutrition or hydration, organ donation, and comfort care. These instructions will guide your medical team and your agent in the event of serious illness or injury.

🔐 HIPAA Authorization

Without this form, your agent may not be able to access your private health records. The HIPAA Authorization allows your healthcare agent and selected family members to legally access your medical history and communicate directly with your care team.

❌ Minnesota Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) Form (Optional)

For individuals with serious or life-limiting conditions, a POLST form signed by a medical provider may be used to clearly document decisions about resuscitation, hospitalization, and other life-sustaining treatments. This complements, but does not replace, the Health Care Directive.

⏰ Why You Should Complete These Forms Before a Medical Emergency

Too often, families are left making difficult decisions without guidance. Completing your Advanced Healthcare Directives in Minnesota:

✅ Protects your right to make your own medical choices
✅ Ensures care that aligns with your values
✅ Reduces confusion and emotional stress for your loved ones

📥 Click here to download your free Minnesota Health Care Directive forms (via AARP)These forms are fillable, easy to use, and tailored for Minnesota residents.

🖋️ Need a Notary? We’re Here to Help.

In Minnesota, your directive must be either signed in front of two witnesses or notarized. Notarization provides additional legal credibility, especially in settings where your documents may be reviewed out of state or across healthcare systems.

🔍 Use our Notary Directory to locate a local Minnesota notary🚗 Can’t find a notary in your area? 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.

At EmergencyNotaryServices.com, our notaries are experienced in handling healthcare documentation and understand Minnesota’s legal requirements.

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✅ Don’t Wait—Plan Your Healthcare Future Today

Whether you’re in perfect health or managing a serious condition, completing your Advanced Healthcare Directives in Minnesota is one of the most important actions you can take. Your loved ones—and your future self—will thank you for making your wishes clear.

Let EmergencyNotaryServices.com help you take the next step: