What would happen if you experienced a serious medical problem and could not speak for yourself... if you could not make your wishes known about your medical care, life support and similar measures? Who would you want to make medical decisions on your behalf? Would that person be considered your decision-maker according to Florida law?

If you had an Advance Directive, it could guide your doctors and healthcare team to know what your wishes are. Advance Directives are legal documents that you may complete that help ensure that your wishes are carried out when you are unable to speak for yourself. Such a document can save your family a lot of anguish - because they wouldn’t need to second-guess your wishes. And keep in mind that you can change your Advance Directive at any time.

Two types of Advance Directives are the Living Will and the Designation of Health Care Surrogate Form (also known as a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare).

The Living Will document lets your physician(s) and others know your choices regarding the use of life prolonging procedures if you are unable to make decisions for yourself. Your physician and your Health Care Surrogate are to follow the directives of the Living Will.

The Designation of Health Care Surrogate document allows you to appoint another adult person to make health care decisions on your behalf when you are unable to do so. It is recommended that you appoint an adult who knows your wishes and will carry them out. It is suggested that you choose a person who has exhibited special care and concern for you and has maintained regular contact and is familiar with your personal, religious, moral and cultural beliefs. Your Health Care Surrogate will have the authority to make all medical decisions on your behalf according to your wishes, including but not limited to the withholding/withdrawal of life prolonging procedures.

It is recommended if you are single, divorced, or in a complicated family situation that you complete a Designation Of Health Care Surrogate Form.

Make Your Wishes Known

If you have an Advance Directive, tell your family and make sure they know where it's located. Also, tell your doctor and make sure that the Advance Directive is part of your medical records. If you have a Designation of Health Care Surrogate, give a copy to the person you've chosen to act on your behalf.

If you are coming to the hospital to be admitted, bring a copy of your Advance Directive with you.

If you have further questions, we encourage you to speak with you physician, clergy, or your attorney.

You can also review our frequently asked questions about Advance Directives. View our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Please note: To read and print our Advance Directive forms and instructions, you will need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. If you do not already have the reader, you can download a free copy from Adobe by clicking on the icon at right. Once it is installed, you will be able to access the forms. Connection speeds may vary, please allow sufficient time to load.