Complete Guide to Advance Directives for Missouri Residents

Understanding Advance Directives in Missouri

Advance directives are legal documents that allow Missouri residents to make their healthcare wishes known in advance, ensuring their preferences are honored even if they become unable to communicate them directly. Missouri law recognizes several types of advance directives, each serving a specific purpose in end-of-life planning.

Types of Advance Directives in Missouri

Living Will

A living will in Missouri allows you to specify your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments if you become terminally ill or permanently unconscious. Missouri's living will statute provides specific language and requirements that must be followed for the document to be legally valid.

Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care

This document allows you to appoint someone (called a healthcare agent or proxy) to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Your healthcare agent can make decisions about all aspects of your medical care, not just end-of-life treatments.

POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment)

POLST is a medical order form that translates your advance directive wishes into specific medical orders. It's particularly useful for people with serious illnesses and is recognized by emergency medical services throughout Missouri.

Missouri-Specific Requirements

Witness Requirements

Missouri law requires that advance directives be witnessed by two adults who:

Are not related to you by blood or marriage
Are not entitled to any portion of your estate
Are not your attending physician or healthcare provider
Are not creditors or entitled to claim against your estate

Notarization

While not required by Missouri law, having your advance directives notarized can provide additional legal protection and may be required by some healthcare facilities.

What to Include in Your Advance Directives

Specific Medical Treatments

Consider your preferences regarding:

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
Mechanical ventilation
Artificial nutrition and hydration
Dialysis
Antibiotics
Pain management and comfort care

Personal Values and Beliefs

Include information about your values, religious beliefs, and what quality of life means to you. This helps your healthcare agent make decisions that align with your personal philosophy.

Choosing a Healthcare Agent

Select someone who:

Understands and respects your values
Can make difficult decisions under pressure
Is willing to advocate for your wishes
Lives close enough to be available when needed
Is likely to be available in the future

Updating Your Advance Directives

Review and update your advance directives regularly, especially after:

Major life changes (marriage, divorce, birth of children)
Changes in health status
Changes in your healthcare agent's circumstances
Changes in your values or preferences

Where to Store Your Documents

Keep copies of your advance directives:

With your primary care physician
At local hospitals where you might receive care
With your healthcare agent and alternate agents
With close family members
In your home in an easily accessible location

Getting Help with Advance Directives

Death doulas in the Kansas City area can help you understand your options and complete your advance directives. They can facilitate family discussions about end-of-life preferences and ensure that your documents accurately reflect your wishes.