Printable North Carolina Living Will Template

When filling out the North Carolina Living Will form, it's essential to follow certain guidelines to ensure your wishes are clearly expressed. Here’s a list of things you should and shouldn't do:

• Do read the instructions carefully before starting.
• Do clearly state your medical preferences regarding life-sustaining treatment.
• Do sign and date the document in the presence of a witness.
• Do discuss your wishes with your family and healthcare providers.
• Don't leave any sections blank; provide complete information.
• Don't use vague language that could lead to confusion.
• Don't forget to keep a copy for yourself and share it with your healthcare proxy.

Following these steps can help ensure that your Living Will accurately reflects your wishes and is honored when the time comes.

Filling out and using the North Carolina Living Will form is an important step in planning for your future healthcare. Here are key takeaways to consider:

• Understand the purpose: A Living Will outlines your preferences for medical treatment in case you become unable to communicate your wishes.
• Eligibility: You must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind to create a Living Will in North Carolina.
• Clear language: Use straightforward language to express your wishes. Avoid ambiguous terms to ensure your intentions are understood.
• Signature requirements: Sign the form in the presence of two witnesses or a notary public to make it legally binding.
• Revocation: You can revoke your Living Will at any time. Just inform your healthcare provider and destroy any copies.
• Keep copies: Distribute copies of your Living Will to your healthcare provider, family members, and anyone involved in your care.
• Review regularly: Revisit your Living Will periodically to ensure it still reflects your wishes, especially after significant life changes.

• Misconception 1: A Living Will is the same as a Last Will and Testament.

  This is not true. A Living Will specifically addresses medical decisions and end-of-life care, while a Last Will and Testament deals with the distribution of assets after death.

• Misconception 2: Only elderly individuals need a Living Will.

  People of all ages can benefit from having a Living Will. Accidents and sudden illnesses can occur at any time, making it important for everyone to consider their medical preferences.

• Misconception 3: A Living Will is not legally binding.

  In North Carolina, a properly executed Living Will is legally binding. It must meet specific requirements to ensure that healthcare providers honor the individual's wishes.

• Misconception 4: Once created, a Living Will cannot be changed.

  This is false. Individuals can revise or revoke their Living Will at any time, as long as they are mentally competent to do so.

• Misconception 5: A Living Will only covers situations where a person is in a coma.

  A Living Will applies to various medical scenarios, including terminal illness or irreversible conditions. It outlines preferences for life-sustaining treatments in any situation where a person cannot communicate their wishes.

• Advance Healthcare Directive: This document combines a Living Will and a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare. It specifies the medical treatment preferences and appoints someone to make decisions if the individual is unable to do so.
• Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare: Similar to a Living Will, this document allows an individual to designate someone to make healthcare decisions on their behalf, but it does not necessarily include specific treatment preferences.
• Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order: A DNR order indicates that a person does not wish to receive CPR or other life-saving measures in case of cardiac arrest. It focuses specifically on resuscitation efforts rather than broader medical decisions.
• Healthcare Proxy: This document appoints an individual to make healthcare decisions when the person is incapacitated. It is similar to the Durable Power of Attorney but is specifically focused on healthcare matters.
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): POLST provides specific medical orders regarding life-sustaining treatments. It is designed for those with serious illnesses and serves as a more detailed version of a Living Will.
• Last Will and Testament: While primarily focused on the distribution of assets after death, it can include healthcare wishes. It differs from a Living Will, which is concerned with medical treatment during life.
• Organ Donation Consent: This document expresses a person's wishes regarding organ donation after death. It complements a Living Will by addressing what happens to one's body after life support is withdrawn.
• Health Information Privacy Authorization: This document allows individuals to specify who can access their medical records. While it does not dictate medical treatment, it is important for ensuring privacy in healthcare decisions.
• Personal Care Agreement: This document outlines preferences for personal care services, such as assistance with daily living activities. It can be used alongside a Living Will to address non-medical needs.
• Healthcare Instructions: Similar to a Living Will, this document provides specific instructions about medical treatments and procedures. It may be less formal but serves a similar purpose in guiding healthcare decisions.