Estate planning is an ideal vehicle for making future medical decisions to guide your care providers and family through a difficult time. Including advance healthcare directives allows you to express your treatment preferences and name someone to speak on your behalf when you cannot.
Arkansas recognizes several types of advance directives. When prepared with knowledgeable legal guidance, they help ensure your wishes are honored and may ease the burden on loved ones during a medical crisis.
Living wills clarify end-of-life choices
A living will, also called a declaration of end-of-life treatment, outlines your preferences for life-sustaining measures like ventilators, feeding tubes and resuscitation. It applies only when you are terminally ill or permanently unconscious and unable to communicate. Arkansas law requires two witnesses for a living to be valid.
Medical power of attorney names a decision-maker
A durable power of attorney for healthcare allows you to appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Your chosen agent should be someone you trust to honor your values and preferences. This directive can include specific instructions or grant broad authority depending on your wishes.
POLST forms translate wishes into medical orders
Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) are medical orders that reflect your treatment preferences in more detail. These forms are especially useful for those with chronic or terminal medical conditions. They complement other directives, guiding emergency and long-term care teams. A POLST is actionable immediately and travels with you across care settings.
Other tools, like a DNR order and HIPAA release authorization, can round out your estate plan and help ensure future health care aligns with your values.