Missouri Advanced Healthcare Directives: Secure Your Healthcare Wishes Before It’s Too Late
- EmergencyNotaryServices.com
- Jul 10
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 22
Medical emergencies often happen without warning. Whether you’re facing surgery, managing a chronic illness, or simply planning ahead, completing an Advanced Healthcare Directive in Missouri ensures that your healthcare preferences are clearly documented and legally protected.
At EmergencyNotaryServices.com, we provide free downloadable Missouri-specific healthcare directive forms from AARP.com, making it easier than ever for Missourians to prepare for the future. In this blog, we’ll explain what these documents are, why they matter, and how to complete and notarize them before a crisis arises.
📘 What Is an Advanced Healthcare Directive?
An Advanced Healthcare Directive is a legal document that allows you to:
Name someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf
Specify your preferences for treatment, especially during a medical crisis or when you’re unable to communicate
Make your wishes clear regarding end of life care
In Missouri, an advance directive typically includes both a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare and a Living Will, each playing a key role in your healthcare planning—particularly when preparing for hospitalization.
📂 What’s Included in a Missouri Advanced Healthcare Directive Package?
👤 Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
This document allows you to appoint a healthcare agent (or proxy) to make decisions if you become unable to do so. Your agent can:
Discuss treatment options with your doctors
Approve or refuse medical procedures
Ensure your wishes are respected in accordance with Missouri law
✅ In Missouri, this form must be signed in the presence of a notary public or two adult witnesses.
📝 Living Will (Declaration of Health Care Choices)
Your Living Will outlines your preferences for life-sustaining treatments, including decisions about CPR, artificial hydration, feeding tubes, and ventilators in terminal or permanent unconsciousness situations. It ensures that your healthcare team knows exactly what you do or do not want.
🔐 HIPAA Authorization Form
This federal form gives your healthcare agent and designated family members permission to access your medical records and communicate with healthcare professionals. Without it, important information may be inaccessible during critical moments.
❌ Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order
A DNR order is a separate document, signed by your physician, that instructs healthcare professionals not to perform CPR if your heart stops. In Missouri, a DNR is honored by EMS and medical providers and should be kept with you at all times or filed with your care provider.
⏰ Why Complete These Forms Now?
Filling out your Advanced Healthcare Directives in Missouri before a medical emergency ensures that:
✅ Your treatment preferences are legally protected
✅ Your loved ones are not forced to make difficult choices without guidance
✅ Your medical providers can act quickly and confidently
📥 Click here to download your free Missouri Advanced Directive forms (via AARP)These forms are tailored to meet Missouri state laws and come with clear instructions.
🖋️ Need a Notary? We’re Here to Help.
To be legally valid in Missouri, your directive must be notarized or signed by two adult witnesses. Notarizing the document is a smart option—especially if it may be used in hospitals, across state lines, or in legal settings.
🔎 Use our Notary Directory to find a local notary in Missouri🚗 Don’t see one near you? Request a free quote and we’ll match you with a mobile or remote notary who can meet you at your home, hospital, or care facility.
Our notaries are knowledgeable about Missouri’s legal requirements and will ensure your documents are completed correctly the first time.
✅ Take Control of Your Healthcare Planning Today
Whether you’re managing your health, planning for surgery, or simply preparing for the unexpected, completing your Advanced Healthcare Directives in Missouri is a responsible and compassionate step for yourself and your family.
At EmergencyNotaryServices.com, we’re here to help you:
🖊️ Find a notary in your area
💬 Request a quote if no notary is currently listed near you
Your health. Your decisions. Your peace of mind.
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