PDF
Word
Advance Directive for Health Care Form - Iowa
An Iowa Advance Directive is a revisable set of written instructions about future medical care that take effect in cases when a patient becomes unable to make decisions for themselves. The purpose of the form is to let an individual plan their medical treatment in advance.
Download a pre-made form through the link below or make your own Advance Directive with our online form builder.
The form lists decisions on life-sustaining medical procedures and about the specific kinds of treatment the individual may or may not wish to receive and can be used to elect a spouse, relative, friend or attorney as a decision-maker in case the individual is unable to make their own decisions because of an illness, accident or incapacity. The main difference between this form and an Iowa Living Will is that the latter - also called a "directive to physicians" - is one form of the Advance Health Care Directive. It's more limited in nature and only state a patient's wishes for end-of-life medical care.
An Iowa Advance Directive is defined and regulated by Chapter 144A (Life-Sustaining Procedures) of the Iowa Code . The document must be signed by no less than two (2) adult individuals. At least one of these witnesses must be not related to the individual making the declaration.
What Is an Iowa Advance Directive?
Advance Directives are legally binding documents that outline an individual's wishes regarding life support, resuscitation and other interventions for both their health care team and family members.
The paperwork for all Advance Directives for Health Care includes two forms in total - a Living Will and a Medical Power of Attorney.
A Living Will is a legal document that intends to ensure and specify an individual's end-of-life wishes regarding health care and medical treatment in the event of their permanent incapacity. A Medical Power of Attorney - otherwise called a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care - is a form that elects an agent to make medical decisions on the behalf of the individual signing the document.
How to Write an Advance Directive in Iowa?
- Decide on whether you want to include a Living Will in your Advance Health Care Instructions.
- If you decided to include a Living Will be specific about such things as CPR, breathing machines, antibiotics, kidney dialysis, tube-feeding, and certain surgical procedures that you are willing to authorize.
- Discuss your decisions with your partner or spouse, your doctor, and your attorney.
- Elect a decision-maker - a health care proxy or agent. Choose someone you believe will be able to follow your wishes whatever those may be. This will help ensure that your wishes are carried out correctly and in full.
Download Advance Directive for Health Care Form - Iowa
1
2
3
4
5
