A health care directive, also known as an advance directive or living will serves as a crucial legal instrument. In Missouri, like many other states, the health care directive provides a structured mechanism to articulate one's preferences for medical care, should the individual become unable to voice their decisions due to illness or incapacitation. This article sheds light on the critical elements required for a valid health care directive in Missouri.

For starters, according to Missouri law (Chapter 459 of the Revised Statutes), the person creating the health care directive, referred to as the "declarant," must be 18 years or older and capable of understanding the implications of the directive. The declarant can use a health care directive to indicate their medical treatment preferences, including the acceptance or refusal of life-sustaining treatments or artificially supplied nutrition and hydration.

Secondly, the health care directive should be in writing. This requirement ensures the directive can be easily accessed and reviewed by health care providers and the individual's appointed health care proxy. In Missouri, no specific form is mandated for creating a health care directive, but the state does provide a standard form, often referred to as Form Mo 889-1232. When you purchase a Missouri Health Care Directive through GoGo Estate, you are provided with a customized document that meets all the requirements of Missouri law.

Furthermore, the health care directive needs to be duly signed by the declarant. The signature acts as a testament to the declarant's acknowledgment and agreement to the provisions stated in the directive. In Missouri, the health care directive must also be either notarized or signed by two competent adult disinterested witnesses. The witnesses should not be anyone responsible for the declarant’s healthcare costs or anyone who will directly inherit from the declarant's estate.

When you create a Missouri Health Care Power of Attorney using GoGo Estate, you will appoint an agent. This individual is empowered to make medical decisions on behalf of the declarant if the declarant becomes unable to do so. It's essential that this person is someone trustworthy, capable of making potentially tough decisions in line with the declarant's wishes. Missouri law requires that the appointed health care agent should not be the declarant's attending physician or any other health care provider unless they are a relative of the declarant.

Once the health care directive has been created, it's advisable to distribute copies to relevant parties. The declarant's physician, healthcare agent, close family members, and friends should each receive a copy, ensuring they are aware of the declarant’s health care preferences.

It's also important to note that in Missouri, the declarant has the right to revoke the health care directive at any time and in any manner that communicates an intent to revoke it. This revocation becomes effective when it is communicated to the declarant's attending physician.

In conclusion, a health care directive is an essential legal document that enables individuals to take control of their future health care decisions. To ensure validity in Missouri, the declarant must be 18 years or older and competent, the directive should be in writing, signed by the declarant, and witnessed by two competent adults or notarized. Furthermore, the appointed health care agent should not be the declarant's attending physician or health care provider unless they are related to the declarant. Through the fulfillment of these requirements, the declarant can create a valid and effective health care directive in Missouri. If you would like to purchase a Missouri Health Care Directive, you may do so through GoGo Estate.