Healthcare Directives in Texas
Ensure your healthcare wishes are known and honored with proper advance directive documents.
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Healthcare directives (also called advance directives) are legal documents that communicate your healthcare wishes if you become unable to speak for yourself. In Texas, the main healthcare planning documents are the Medical Power of Attorney and the Directive to Physicians (Living Will).
Medical Power of Attorney
Designates someone (your "agent") to make healthcare decisions for you if you cannot communicate. This person can:
- Consent to or refuse medical treatment
- Choose doctors and hospitals
- Access your medical records
- Make end-of-life care decisions
Directive to Physicians (Living Will)
Documents your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment if you have a terminal or irreversible condition. You can specify:
- Whether to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment
- Your wishes regarding pain management
- Preferences for artificial nutrition and hydration
Out-of-Hospital DNR
A Do Not Resuscitate order that applies outside of hospitals. Emergency personnel (EMS) will honor this document if you are found unresponsive. This is separate from hospital DNR orders.
Both Documents Work Together
Your Medical Power of Attorney designates WHO makes decisions. Your Living Will provides guidance on WHAT decisions to make. Having both ensures your wishes are known and someone you trust can implement them.
Texas Requirements
In Texas, healthcare directives must be properly executed to be valid. Medical Powers of Attorney must be signed, witnessed by two adults (with restrictions on who can serve), and the agent must sign acceptance. Living Wills must be signed and witnessed by two adults. Working with an attorney ensures your documents meet all legal requirements.
Ensure Your Healthcare Wishes Are Honored
Our attorneys can help you create properly executed healthcare directives that protect you and give your family peace of mind.
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